UNFPA continues its efforts to support the Government of Pakistan in raising awareness about the importance of the forthcoming population and housing census in Pakistan. A provincial-level seminar on “Population Census and Pakistan’s Development” was organized in Karachi on 13 December 2010.
The seminar has special relevance as the theme of this year’s World Population Day is “Everyone Counts” which highlights the importance of data for development. The theme underscores why reliable, disaggregated data is so crucial to progress and encourages people to participate in the census and other data collection efforts. “Reliable data can make a difference, and the key is to collect, analyze and disseminate data in a way that drives good decision making. The numbers that emerge from data collection can illuminate important trends. It is the censuses, surveys and vital statistics initiatives which provide critical data to guide plans, policies and programmes to meet people’s needs and improve their lives”, said Mr. Rabbi Royan, Representative, UNFPA.
“The objective of the provincial seminar is to highlight the importance of forthcoming population census. As the 18th Amendment has particular importance on population and health programmes in Pakistan, there is a strong need to advocate for integration of population and health issues into provincial development planning processes, policies and programmes. Other challenges faced by the provinces include engendering of the Population Census, and collection of data in emergency and conflict situations. As there is a need to deepen understanding of why reliable data is so crucial to human development including humanitarian initiatives, the seminar will help highlight need to conduct the 6th Population Census as early as possible and therefore the need to solicit support of provincial authorities”, said Prof. Mohammad Nizamuddin, Vice Chancellor, University of Gujrat.
The results of the 6th Population Census data would serve as a critical reference point for national planning, and to ensure efficient and equitable distribution of government resources. The data collected will be crucial for measuring progress towards the achievement of national development targets, including the MDGs. Because of changes in the population distribution and settlement patterns, the forthcoming census will be critical to update the data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics at national, regional and district levels to help the government in planning, designing and implementing development projects. “The Government is fully committed to mobilize its resources and counts on partners’ support. As a key agency, UNFPA’s lead role in highlighting the importance of timely census and providing technical and financial resources for the census has been commendable”, said Mr. Asif Bajwa, Secretary Statistics Division.
UNFPA’s lead role in linking the timely census with population development was recognized. Questions that were address included “What striking situation does research reveal in your country? What do the numbers tell you about progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)? Are certain groups getting left behind? As the data can reveal striking situations in countries, such as girls may be delaying marriage, an indigenous population group may be drastically under-served, and higher rates of contraceptive use and skilled birth attendance may show progress towards improving maternal health, which is one of the MDGs”, reiterated by key participants during group discussions.