Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has informed the top court that despite the unavailability of army personnel the Council of Common Interest (CCI) has decided to continue its efforts for conducting census.

It said that PBS has started preparatory activities for conducting census 2016 after the approval of Finance Ministry, adding that Finance Division approved budget proposal of Rs 14.5 billion of which Rs 1968.8 million were released.

Preparations were completed at civil side while appointment lists for 205,000 enumerators and supervisors was also initiated but the army showed its inability to provide the required number of security personnel due to war-like situation and insurgency in the country, the report added.

However, the submitted report stated that National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) would share the details of blocked computerized national identity cards (NICs) after verification exercise in order to separate the illegal residents in the country.

In pursuance of suo motu case regarding delay in carrying out census in the country, Statistic Division on Wednesday submitted its report before a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali. “Suspected CNIC numbers will be obtained from NADRA to record them as Non-nationals,” stated the report, adding that Afghans living in camps in Balochistan would not be enumerated as their data is already available with UNHCR.

Likewise, separate forms would be developed on which data regarding temporary displaced persons from FATA will be obtained and such data will be further filtered with the question of migration from last district/agency or province.

However, during the hearing, Justice Jamali termed the report inadequate; adding that delay in carrying out census is failure of the government.

He observed that the government would have to accept consequences on delay in carrying out census.

When the court asked regarding the absence of Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf, the law officer said that he was abroad. He requested the bench for adjournment. Expressing displeasure the chief justice observed that the government has failed to implement the constitution. The case will be heard on October 4.