Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) have signed a contract to ensure population data collection in the country.
The contract, being an important step towards the first-ever digital census in Pakistan, will enable the PBS to collect data with precision and accuracy within a minimum time frame. NADRA will be responsible for developing the android based devices along with IT systems for digital census throughout the country.
Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal told the media that PBS will provide the census data to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the delimitation of constituencies. He said that the new system would ensure accountability along with transparency.
After signing the agreement, NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik said that a complete turnkey solution has been devised to ensure digital census; the system would be linked with a global positioning system (GPS), geographical information system (GIS), data centre and call centre facilities along with technical support centres at each tehsil level and online web portal for public.
Tariq Malik also said that necessary training will be provided to PBS staff and field enumerators.
Earlier, the Council of Common Interest (CCI) had suggested that modern technologies equipped with digital tools should have been adopted for the next census. Following the recommendations, PBS had approached NADRA to devise a comprehensive proposal for the first digital census.
