The government has decided to conduct the 6th population census in March 2016 with the support and supervision of the armed forces, while all four provinces will bear its cost.
The decision has been long overdue as the last census was held in 1998. Since then considerable demographic changes have occurred. An updated population census gives accurate data that plays a vital role in formulating economic policies, developmental projects and social strategies. Moreover, in the special scenario of the ongoing decisive operation against terrorism, the registration of population through census will also help law-enforcement agencies devise their security plans as per demographic requirements.
Afia Malik
Lahore