Counting efficiently

After 19 long years, the census is finally being carried out in Pakistan. According to the government, Rs185 billion will be spent on this exercise. The census must be carried out on a regular basis so a correct approximation of the population can be ascertained. The figures then help the government in the planning and budgeting processes.

Unfortunately, we always have vague data that puts us to shame on international forums. Hopefully, this time utmost care will be taken to avoid this situation. Moreover, if biometric  data, alongside other data, is also obtained, it will help   the government        in allocating resources in various fields like health and education more efficiently.

Iftikhar Mirza

Islamabad