The country of Pakistan is abuzz with anticipation as the upcoming general elections are expected to be delayed by three to four months. This decision comes in the wake of the 2023 census, which was officially endorsed during a crucial Council of Common Interest (CCI) meeting held in the capital city of Islamabad on a momentous Saturday.
Presided by PM, the CCI meeting witnessed the participation of coalition partners, each with an active role in the single-point agenda – deliberating over the population census.
Present at the meeting were chief ministers from all four provinces, federal ministers, and various department heads. A significant revelation emerged during the session – Pakistan’s population has surged to a staggering 241.49 million.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, in an interview with a private TV channel, confirmed that the general elections would be held based on the new census results, as mandated by Article 51 of the Constitution, following the CCI’s approval.
The unanimity of all eight council members regarding the census results bodes well for the future electoral process.
Tarar disclosed that the process of constituency delimitation, a critical aspect of the elections, would be completed within 120 days. He further assured that the representation of all provinces in the National Assembly would remain unaltered.
One of the most crucial pieces of information unveiled during the briefing was the annual growth rate of the population under the new digital census. The country’s population has witnessed a growth rate of 2.55%, with Balochistan showing the highest growth and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa registering the lowest.
based on information made public by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Punjab leads the population count with over 120 million inhabitants, followed by Sindh with more than 50 million, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with over 30 million, and Balochistan with over 20 million inhabitants.
The Ministry of Planning and Development played a pivotal role in executing the digital census, and the CCI’s approval marks the final step in Pakistan’s first-ever digital population census. A remarkable feat, this monumental undertaking was achieved within a span of just 18 months, setting a historic precedent.
The digital census introduced several groundbreaking aspects. For the first time, Pakistan’s population was digitally counted using tablets, streamlining the process and minimizing errors. Additionally, citizens were empowered with the convenience of self-enumeration.
The detailed population figures generated from the census serve multiple purposes. They not only aid in determining the size of various economic groups but also provide a comprehensive economic framework across the country. To ensure the transparency of the results, a post-enumeration survey was also conducted.
The census data plays a critical role in governments’ constituency delineation, ensuring a fair allocation of funds, resources, and aid across provinces, districts, and various regions.
In conclusion, the endorsement of the 2023 census during the CCI meeting is a significant milestone for Pakistan’s democratic process. While the delay in the upcoming general elections may cause some speculation and debates, it is essential to recognize the importance of an accurate and up-to-date population count. The implementation of the first-ever digital census underscores Pakistan’s commitment to technological advancements and transparent governance.