In a first, Pakistan prepares to conduct its first-ever digital census

As the country continues to move toward a digital census, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) have signed a contract. Under this contract, the former will be able to ensure the collection of population data with precision within a small time frame.

Nadra will develop solutions for the digital census across the country through Android smart devices and IT systems. With the help of this new digital system, the PBS will provide data to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in a timely manner.

Digital Census

The Council of Common Interest (CCI) had proposed previously that the upcoming census should be conducted using modern technology and tools. On its suggestion, the PBS approached Nadra and presented a brief technical proposal for carrying out the first-ever digital census in Pakistan.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said he hoped that the new system will also ensure accountability and transparency of supervisors.

Chairman of Nadra, Tariq Malik said that the decision to conduct the census shows a consensus on a precise process without any prejudice. While explaining the features of the digital census app, he added that they had devised an exclusive solution for carrying out the process.

An online web portal

Nadra will carry out the deployment of android-based housing listings, enumeration applications synchronized with GPS and GIS, data center services, call center services, and the establishment of technical support centers at every tehsil level. There will also be an online web portal for the general public.

Chairman Nadra hoped that the census app will have support, online and offline, with a data synchronization feature. It will back PBS at all three stages of the census. Nadra will also give training to staff members of PBS and field enumerators.

Similarly, Nadra will also include data center services for a centralized repository of census data, along with digital photos. An exclusive web portal for call services will be designed as well. The web portal will have a self-enumeration feature so those who were unavailable at the time of the census can register themselves.

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