Census Approval Sparks Concerns Over Election Timing

The Council of Common Interest (CCI) has given unanimous approval to the findings of the 7th population and housing census, indicating that Pakistan’s population has reached 241.49 million, with a growth rate of 2.55%, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The 50th CCI meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by all provincial chief ministers, three federal ministers, and key leaders of allied parties, addressed concerns over the upcoming general elections scheduled for November this year.

The CCI’s decision could potentially lead to a delay in the elections if the assemblies are dissolved on August 9, which is just three days before their term completion. The new census requires a fresh delimitation of constituencies, a process that experts believe could take around four months.

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Federal Minister for Law, Azam Nazeer Tarar, hinted at the likelihood of a delay and explained that elections are held based on the population determined in the last preceding census officially published. The law minister suggested that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s delimitation process could take up to 120 days, and with an additional 54 days required for holding elections, the delay could be roughly two to two-and-a-half months.

Despite concerns, the number of National Assembly seats in provinces and Islamabad will remain unchanged, but there might be the formation of new constituencies in urban centers due to the new census. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of curbing population growth to ensure progress and prosperity for the present and future population of Pakistan.

The 7th census, conducted digitally from March 1 to May 22, 2023, with the survey held from July 8 to 19, recorded the population figures for each province. The CCI’s decision, along with the law minister’s remarks, has revealed conflicting stances within the ruling coalition, particularly regarding the potential delay in elections.

The PBS described the 7th Population and Housing Census as a historic event, being the largest digitization exercise in South Asia completed in just 18 months. It marked the first time Pakistan’s population was counted digitally using tablets and also provided self-enumeration facilities to citizens. The census data is crucial for allocating funds, assistance, and determining legislative districts in the country.