ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar proposed replacing traditional census practices with more cost-effective and efficient automated system that updates information using National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and other modern technologies.

During Senate question hour, Dar responded to question from Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi and emphasised potential of technology to transform traditional practices and streamline process of enrolling population. New approach would eliminate need for expensive census expenditures.

Dar said government spent billions of rupees on 2017 census, but Sindh, Balochistan and partially South Punjab raised objections over its accuracy. Eventually, Constitution was amended to allow holding of 2018 general elections based on last census.

Regarding holding of separate general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dar objected, stating that according to 18th amendment, elections in country should be held simultaneously. In October, there will be two sitting governments and question is whether they will be dissolved or if caretaker government will be appointed to ensure impartiality. However, Constitution does not allow for this.

To ensure effective monitoring, coordination and policy decisions, CCI constituted Census Monitoring Committee comprising all stakeholders.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 31 2023

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