Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
NATIONAL CENSUS REPORT 43
remains limited. This is reflected in high fertility rates and low contraceptive use, particularly among
poor and rural women. Table 1.9 provides details on the supply of various family planning related
services in Pakistan from 2017 to 2022.
Table 1.9: Contaceptives and CYP of Population Welfare Programme
Year
Family Planning Services Prevalence
IUD
(No. of
cases)
Sterilization
(No. of cases
male/female)
Oral pills
(No. of
cycles)
Condom
(Units)
Injectable
vials
Norplant
(Cases)
Couple year
of Protection
(CYP)
2017-18
1,828,543
173,686
16,849,976
270,806,881
8,170,274
133,152
15,755,706
2018-19
1,868,090
159,327
17,743,448
290,678,700
7,942,245
245,634
16,384,477
2019-20
2,257,972
127,158
1,6285,388
25,9783,023
7,978,831
379,273
17,743,708
2020-21
2,491,972
48,941
16,121,006
270,564,742
7,760,302
742,896
17,161,323
2021-22
2,449,148
86,595
15,753,315
276,546,948
6,714,004
1,019,668
16,307,362
Source: Annual Contraceptive Performance Report, 2021-22 (PBS)
1.9 Education
The Article 37-B of the 1973 Constitution of
Pakistan lays down that, “The State shall be
responsible for eradication of illiteracy and
provision of free and compulsory education up
to secondary level, within minimum possible
time”.
The Article 25A–Right to Education–of the Constitution states that, “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law.”
Education plays a pivotal role in a nation's economic development, driving social progress, economic prosperity, and human resource advancement. It empowers individuals and communities to harness their full potential and is closely linked to socio-economic growth. In this context, establishing a widely accessible, high-quality, and equitable education system is essential for building a progressive society. Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Agenda (SDGs) 2030 seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Key Education Indicators Literacy Rate: 62.8% Male Literacy Rate: 73.4% Female Literacy Rate: 51.9%
Source: Labor Force Survey 2020-21
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
44 NATIONAL CENSUS REPORT
Pakistan is committed to achieve Goal 4 of SDGs pertaining to the quality of education, which stipulates
equitable education, removal of discrimination, provision, and up -gradation of infrastructure, skill
development for sustainable progress, universal literacy, numeracy and enhancement of the
professional capacity of teachers. Different measures taken up by the federal and provincial
governments to raise the standards of education in terms of quality education as a part of government’s
commitment to accomplish Goal 4 of SDGs by enhancing access to education by establishing new
schools, upgrading the existing schools, improving learning environment by providing basic
educational facilities, digitization of educational institutions, enhancing resilience of educational
institutions to cater for unforeseen situations, promoting distance learning, capacity building of teacher,
and improving hiring of teachers, particularly hiring of science teachers to address the issues of science
education, etc.24
The following sub-sections provide a brief overview of Pakistan's education system.
1.9.1 Pre-Primary Education
Pre-primary education is a vital constituent of a child’s elementary education. Internationally, it is
recommended that every child must be provided with pre-primary education to prepare him/her for the
later stages of education. Prep or Katchi class is meant for children between 3 to 4 years of age to get
pre-primary education.
1.9.2 Primary Education (ClassesI-V)
Primary education is the most important and
crucial stage for a child’s education. At the
national level, a total of 160,157 primary schools
with 452,666 teachers were functional in 2022 -
23. Primary enrolment was 24.04 million in
2022-23.
1.9.3 Middle Education (ClassesVi-Viii)
Middle schools include grades six through eight and the official age-group is 10-12 years for this level.
During academic year 2022-23E, a total of 48 ,059 middle schools with 4 31,597 teachers were
functional in the country. Enrollment in middle schools in 2022-23 was 9.10 million.
1.9.4 Secondary/High Education (Classes IX- X)
High/Secondary school is the final stage of schooling that includes grades 9 and 10. During 2022-23E,
at the national level, a total of 35,263 high schools with 592,006 teachers were functional in the country.
Enrollment stood at 4.64 million in 2022-23.
24 Pakistan Economic Survey 2022-23. Finance Division. Government of Pakistan.
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
NATIONAL CENSUS REPORT 45
1.9.5 Higher Secondary / Inter Colleges (ClassesXI-XII)
The higher secondary schools/ inter colleges in Pakistan include grades 11 and 12. A total of 8,778
higher secondary schools/inter colleges with 1 83,258 teachers were functional in 20 22-23E with
enrollment amounting to 2.3 million students.
1.9.6 Technical & Vocational Institutes
Technical and vocational education is an educational
activity that imparts academic and technical
knowledge and skills to individuals. A total of 4,281
technical and vocational institutes with 18,375
teachers and an enrollment of 439,062 students was
recorded in 2022-23.
1.9.7 Degree Colleges (ClassesXIII-XIV)
In 2022-23, a total of 2,735 degree colleges were recorded, with 62,321 teachers and an enrollment
of 627,264 students.
1.9.8 Universities (Classes XV Onwards)
University education provides not only the advanced skills essential for every labor market but also
critical training for professionals such as teachers, doctors, nurses, civil servants, engineers, humanists,
entrepreneurs, scientists, social scientists, and many others. A total of 228 universities with 72,717
teachers were functional in higher education in Pakistan in 2022-23. Total enrollment in universities
in Pakistan was 2.4 million in 2022-23.25
25 Data source for this section is “Pakistan Education Statistics 2022-23. Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE). Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. Government of Pakistan”.
Chapter-2
HISTORY AND METHODOLOGY OF CENSUS
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
NATIONAL CENSUS REPORT 46
2 History and Methodology of Census
2.1 History of Population Censuses
Pakistan since its inception has conducted seven Population and Housing Censuses. The first
census was conducted in the year 1951 by the Office of the Census Commissioner, Ministry
of Interior, Home and Kashmir Affairs, covering the then two units i.e. East and West Pakistan.
This was follow ed by the second census in 1961. The third c ensus, originally scheduled for
1971, was delayed by one year due to the separation of East Pakistan. Subsequently, in 1972,
the Census Organization was established on a permanent basis as an attached department of
the Ministry of Interior to undertake Population & Housing Census and to manage data
collection procedures as a regular activity. The c ensus in 1972 , therefore, was conducted by
the Census Organization, which collected data on total population and core demographic
characteristics of population of Pakistan, hitherto known as West Pakistan.
In 1973, the Registration Department was established as an attached department of the
Ministry of Interior, under the Census Commissioner, to register vital events such as births and
deaths in the country. Subsequently, in 1976, the Census and Registration Organization was
created as an attached department of the Ministry of Interior by merging both the Registration
Department and the Census Organization. However, in March 1978, a dedicated organization
for conducting Population & Housing Census, known as t he Population Census Organization
(PCO), was carved out of the Census and Registration Organization. PCO was attached to the
Statistics Division, and its subordinate offices were established at the provincial level. In
November 1980, PCO conducted a House Listing Operation, followed by the fourth Population
and Housing Census in March 1981. This Census was conducted in a more organized manner,
using the Short Form comprising of core demographic questions and a Long Form seeking
further details on the characteristics of population.
The Fifth Population & Housing Census, which was due in March 1991, was conducted
in March 1998 after a delay of seven years. This delay was primarily due to the lack of
consensus among the provinces regarding the dates and procedures, as well as concerns about
the completeness and accuracy of population reporting. These issues were resolved through
consultations with relevant stakeholders. To ensure complete coverage and smooth data
collection in the field, it was decided to involve the Armed Forces for th e first time in the
census operation. The Census -1998 provided detailed data on the population and its socio -
economic characteristics at national, provincial, district, and tehsil levels, and even down to
the mouza/ deh/ village level. This data was widely used for future population projections and
development planning in the country.
After the promulgation of the General Statistics (Re -organization) Act, 2011, Pakistan
Bureau of Statistics (PBS) was established after merging of three organizations, namely Federal
Bureau of Statistics, Population Census Organization, Agricultural Census Organization , and
Technical Wing of Statistics Division. As per the Act 2011, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)
is mandated, in addition to other data collection activities, to conduct population and housing
census in the country. The Sixth Population and Housing Census in Pakistan was originally
scheduled for October 2008 but was conducted much later, from March to May 2017, due to
HISTORY AND METHODOLOGY OF CENSUS
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
47 NATIONAL CENSUS REPORT
various challenges and delays. The Census was postponed for almost nine years due to reasons
such as the adverse law and order situation in the country, a shortage of staff and manpower,
and insufficient financial resources. In 2016, the Supreme Court of Pakistan took Suo Moto
notice (Case No. 09 of 2016) of the delayed census and directed the Government to conduct
the long-overdue Census in March 2017. Accordingly, the Council of Common Interests (CCI)
in its meeting held on 16th December, 2016 approved the conduct of 6th Population and Housing
Census (Census-2017) in two phases with effect from 15th March, 2017.
Accordingly, Census operation was conducted from 15th March, 2017 to 24th May, 2017
in two phases. Each phase had duration of 30 days. Phase-I started from 15th March and ended
on 14 th April, 2017 in which 61 a dministrative Districts comprising of 79,773 blocks were
enumerated. Phase-II was started with a gap of 10 days from 25th April and completed on 24th
May, 2017. The field operation consisted of first 3 days for house listing followed by 10 days
for population count and one day for enumeration of homeless population.
As in previous censuses, De-Jure enumeration method was employed in Census-2017.
In this method people are counted at their usual place of residence. The time period of residence
was defined as 6 months and above. The homeless population was counted using the De-Facto
method.
The p rovisional summary results for Census-2017 were compiled after r etrieval of
Enumerator Forms (REN-2) from the field. After the requisite approval from CCI, accorded in
its meeting held on 25th August, 2017, the provisional results were released through press and
placed on the website of PBS for general use of the government functionaries, academia,
researchers and public at large.
In general, the successful completion of Census-2017, which was held after a gap of 19
years, was appreciated at various levels. H owever, at the same time certain concerns were
raised by the provinces especially Sindh regarding methodology of Census 2017, field
operation monitoring and processing of final results . As general elections 2018 w ere
approaching and latest census data was needed for delimitation purpose, CCI in its meeting
held on 13th November, 2017 inter alia approved provisional results at block level of Census-
2017 for the purpose of Article 51 (5) of the Constitution, as provided in the Cons titution
(Amendment) Bill, 2017.
As per timeline given by the CCI for presentation of final results of Census-2017 by
the end of April 2018, PBS compiled these results and presented in a departmental briefing
session with the Prime Minister held on 30 th April, 2018. After a presentation, the Prime
Minister directed to place the final results of Census-2017 before the CCI for decision.
Accordingly, summary for CCI was initiated seeking approval of the final results of
Census-2017. However, t he Chairman CCI while considering the proposal of Ministry of
Statistics regarding approval / release of the final results of Census-2017 mentioned that since
the government has already made the 24 th Constitutional Amendment for using provisional
Census-2017 results for the forthcoming election 2018 and the subsequent by-elections, hence
releasing of final result at this stage may affect the delimitation exercise being carried out by
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
NATIONAL CENSUS REPORT 48
the Election Commission of Pakistan. The proposal of approval / release of final results of Census may be deferred for the time being and may be placed before the incoming Government. Therefore, after Elections 2018, the matter was considered in the Cabinet meeting held on 11th February, 2020 and a Committee of Ministers under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ali Haider Zaidi, Minister for Maritime Affairs was approved to deliberate and make recommendations for finalization of results of Census-2017 within a period of two months. The decision of Cabinet dated 11th February, 2020 was as under: “The Cabinet considered the summary titled ‘ Approval of Results of the 6 th Population and Housing Census -2017’ dated 21 st January, 2020, submitted by Planning Development & Special Initiatives Division and approved the following Committee of Ministers to deliberate and make recommendations for finalization of the results of Census-2017 within a period of two months:
- Mr. Ali Haider Zaidi, Minister for Maritime Affiars (Convener)
- Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination
- Mr. Nur-ul-Haq Qadri, Minster for Religious Affaris & Interfaith Harmony.
- Dr. Zubaida Jalal, Minister for Defense Production
- Dr. Muhammad Farogh Naseem, Minister for Information Technology & Telecommunication” In compliance of Cabinet decision various meetings of the Ministers’ Committee were held and detail ed deliberations were made involving all the stakeholders.26 After reviewing the whole process, Ministers’ Committee finalized their recommendations / report for approval of Census-2017 results. The recommendations of Ministers’ Committee are reproduced as below: a) In the larger national interest, 6 th Population and Housing Census -2017 should be accepted as final – although there are reservations on the said census. b) Next census should be held at the earliest possible time – which may be determined after in-put from all the stakeholders; and may be held before lapse of period of 10- years from the date of 6th Population and Housing Census-2017. c) Use of technology should be ensured in order to remove doubts/concerns that were expressed in respect of 6th Population and Housing Census-2017 and the same do -not re-occur. d) A committee may be constituted under Ministry of Information Technology comprising of NADRA, Election Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics- with the mandate to suggest optimum use of technology to achieve objectives of census reflecting the ground realities.
26 First meeting of Ministers’ Committee was held under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ali Haider Zaidi, Minister for Maritime Affairs on 3 rd March, 2020. Second meeting was held on 15 th July, 2020. Whereas third and fourth meetings were held on 13th August, 2020 and 10th September, 2020, respectively. Similarly, fifth and sixth meetings were held on 9th Oct., 2020 and 21st Oct., 2020, respectively. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
49 NATIONAL CENSUS REPORT
Figure 2.1: Glimpses from the Meetings of Cabinet committee of Ministers
Subsequently, the Ministry of PDSI submitted a summary in the light of Minister’s Committee
recommendations to the Cabinet on 14th February, 2020 for its consideration and approval. The
Cabinet approved the proposal of Ministry of PDSI and decided as under:
“The Cabinet considered the summary titled “Approval of Results of the 6th Population
and Housing Census -2017” dated 14 th December, 2020 submitted by the Planning,
Development & Special Initiatives Division, and approved the proposal contained in
para 5 thereof.”
Proposal at Para-5 of the Summary was as under:-
“Approval of the Cabinet is solicited to place the recommendations of the Ministers’
Committee, regarding approval of the final results of Census-2017, before the CCI for
final approval.”
CCI in its 44th meeting held on 7th April, 2021 considered the summary of the recommendations
of Minister’s Committee for approval of final results of Census-2017. However, for detail
deliberations it was decided to hold the CCI meeting on 12 th April, 2021 on one-point agenda
i.e. “Notification of results of Census-2017.” Accordingly, in its 45th meeting held on 12th April
2021, the CCI approved the final results of the 6th Population and Housing Census -2017 and
decided that “the process of the next census should start as early as possible according to
international best practices by using latest technology.”