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DIGITAL CENSUS: PAKISTAN REGISTERS RECORD 249.5 MILLION POPULATION
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Tuesday, 23 May, 2023 I 2 Zilqad, 1444
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Rs 15.00 | Vol XIII No 323 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
POPULATION SEES SIGNIFICANT RISE OF g PUNJAB REMAINS MOST POPULOUS PROVINCE, 49 MILLION IN OVERALL HEADCOUNT FOLLOWED BY SINDH, KP & BALOCHISTAN ISLAMABAD
GHULAM ABBAS
N a groundbreaking announcement, the Chief Census Commissioner and Chief Statistician of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Naeemuz Zafar, revealed the initial results of the seventh national and first-ever digital population census. During a press conference, the Census Commissioner unveiled that Pakistan’s total population has now reached an impressive 249,566,743 individuals, which translates to approximately 249.5 million or around 25 Crore people. Breaking down the population figures by province, it was found that Punjab remains the most populous province with a staggering population exceeding 127,474,000 individuals, equivalent to approximately 127.4 million or around 12.7 Crore people. Following closely behind is Sindh, with a population surpassing 57,931,000 individuals, approximately 57.9 million or around 5.7 Crore people. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on the other hand, recorded a population of over 39,823,000 individuals, approximately 39.7 million or around 3.9 Crore people. Balochistan, the largest province in terms of area, registered a population of over 21,977,000 individuals, approximately 21.9 million or around 2.1 Crore people. Meanwhile, the federal capital, Islamabad, reported a population of 2,359,422 individuals, approximately 2.3 million or around 23 lac people. The Census Commissioner also highlighted that Pakistan’s population has experienced a significant increase of
49 million individuals (4.9 Crore) since the last census, indicating a substantial growth rate. Regarding the cost of conducting the first-ever digital census, the Census Commissioner disclosed that it required a substantial investment of over Rs. 34 billion from the national exchequer. The PBS expressed deep appreciation to the field staff, citizens, and stakeholders, including provincial governments, the Government of Gilgit Baltistan, the Azad State of Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistani Army, NADRA, SUPARCO, NTISB, and NTC, for their unwavering support and facilitation throughout the census process. While the census field operations officially concluded on May 15th, access to tablets remained open for specified districts until May 22nd, 2023, to ensure complete coverage as per the decision of the Chief
Minister’s Committee (CMC). However, all services provided at the province, district, and tehsil levels, such as monitoring dashboards and tablet data entry, were closed by midnight on May 22nd, 2023. In accordance with the directions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the verification process will be carried out by the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Assistant Commissioners (ACs) until May 30th, 2023. They will manually collect data on any non-coverage areas, if applicable. Complaints regarding non-coverage can be lodged at the Census Support Center (CSC) by the DCs/ACs and PBS Call Centers, subject to providing the National Identity Card (NIC) number. Such complaints will be addressed and resolved by May 30th, 2023. The retrieval of tablets at the Census Support Center (CSC) will commence on May 24th, 2023, after the synchronization
of any remaining data. The headcount data of restricted areas and collective residences will be incorporated into the population counts of the respective blocks. All Census District Officers will provide completion certificates, and payments to the census field staff will be made by the DCs/ACs upon the provision of the completion certificate. A Demographers Committee will meticulously analyze the census data using demographic techniques and subsequently finalize its recommendations for the consideration of the Chief Minister’s Committee (CMC). The respective governments have been requested to indicate appropriate times for field census operations in snow-bound areas, which include 129 blocks of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), 80 blocks of Gilgit Baltistan (GB), and 16 blocks of Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Furthermore, the provincial governments have been asked to indicate suitable times for census field operations in 57 blocks of Rojhan, Punjab, and 11 blocks of Ghotki, Sindh, which have been affected by law and order issues. Lastly, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been urged to indicate an appropriate time for census field operations in Kohistan after formulating a comprehensive strategy. The results of Pakistan’s first-ever digital population census mark a significant milestone in the country’s demographic record. This comprehensive data will play a vital role in shaping policies, resource allocation, and development plans for years to come.
‘No vendetta’: May 9 rioters to be held accountable: PM Shehbaz ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that there was no vendetta in his heart but contended that those involved in the May 9 rioters would be taken to the court of law and held accountable. “If leniency is done in this, this country won’t last,” the premier said while addressing a session of the National Assembly. “This is an incident which is out of our control and is the mandate of the public. Day and night lies on lies were said and the fallacy of a conspiracy by the US was sown in the minds of people.” “But today, phone calls are being made to the same country. But, our foreign relations were destroyed,” PM Shehbaz decried, referring to PTI chief Imran Khan’s “baseless accusations against the US”. DIDN’T KNOW NAB ISSUED ARREST WARRANTS FOR IMRAN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has claimed that he was not aware of the arrest warrants issued by the National Accountability Bureau for PTI Chairman Imran Khan. “But as the result of it, the destruction that ensued in the country, we have never seen such incidents before.” “But is Rs60 billion a normal thing? Here, the entire opposition was pushed against the wall because of fake cases but not even a single pot was broken,” the premier said. “This Rs60 billion didn’t come to the national exchequer but went to some account in the Supreme Court […] this is straight corruption and the cabinet of at the time approved a sealed envelope.” ‘FORMER DG-ISI TRANSFERRED FOR HIGHLIGHTING CORRUPTION OF IMRAN’S WIFE’: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has claimed
that incumbent army chief General Asim Munir was transferred from the post of DG ISI in 2019 because he had highlighted the corruption of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s wife. “I say this with full responsibility that incumbent army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir when he was DG ISI, he told PM Imran that his wife was involved in corruption. He said this on the basis of facts. “But obviously Imran got furious over it and did not like it. And the rest is history,” the premier said. “Today I would like to say that Imran Khan has betrayed the nation by sprouting a lie. This is the reason why the former DG ISI was transferred … it was because he confronted the then-PM that his family members were involved in corruption.” NO NEW LAWS BEING INTRODUCED TO TRY MAY 9 ACCUSED: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has clarified that the rioters of the May 9 events will be tried under the existing laws, asserting that “no new laws are being introduced”. “In Mianwali, military planes were bought from the hard earnings of the nation to fight the enemy … but a crowd went there to set fire to it. “Aren’t they enemies of the state? Hence all the cases of the attacks on military installations will be filed under the army laws.” IMRAN’S PEOPLE IN MIANWALI LAUNCHED ATTACK ON PAKISTAN: ASIF: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that it was the responsibility of every parliamentarian to defend the Pakistan Army, even in the absence of an event such as the May 9 riots. In an address at the National Assembly, he strongly condemned the violent protests on the day PTI Chairman Imran Khan was arrested and took exception to the
Political polarisation and IMF bailout speculations trigger stock market slide
PROFIT STAFF REPORT
On Monday, the stock market experienced a decline attributed to political divisions and speculation surrounding the Staff Level Agreement (SLA) between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding a long-awaited bailout tranche. The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s benchmark KSE-100 index opened on a positive note but quickly turned bearish, sustaining a steady decline throughout the day. Ultimately, it dropped by 404.12 points, or 0.97 percent, closing at 41,195.06 points. Market experts attributed the downturn to expectations of new taxes in the upcoming budget and Imran Khan’s statement about an 80 percent chance of his impending arrest on Tuesday. Despite attractive rates, a lack of buying interest and reduced trading volumes was observed.
COAS terms recent attacks on military installations ‘intolerable’ RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
attack on military installations. “It was not an attack on the military installations, but it was an attack on the country … on Pakistan.” He stated that India has been regularly attacking bases in Pakistan, but contended that for the first time, an attack was launched into the country “from Mianwali and by the people of a former prime minister who singularly identified military sites”. “The nations that don’t respect their martyrs are erased,” Asif said. “Are these Pakistanis? The people who attacked our martyrs, their faces should be identified.” ‘Authorities to tackle social media propaganda against Pakistan’s institutions’ The National Assembly has passed a resolution stating that relevant authorities will be empowered to tackle social media propaganda against Pakistan’s institutions, both within and outside the country. Moved by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the resolution said: “Those involved in such propaganda campaigns should strictly be dealt with as per the law.” The resolution, according to Asif, was a way of condemning the incidents of May 9 by the Parliament. NA PASSES RESOLUTION TO TRY MAY 9 RIOTERS UNDER ARMY, ANTI-TERRORISM LAWS: The National Assembly has passed a resolution vowing to try May 9 rioters, who were involved in attacks on military and state installations, under the existing laws including the Army Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act. The resolution, which was moved by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, has been adopted by the House after a major of lawmakers voted in favour of it. Reading out loud the resolution, Asif said that “heartless and heart-wrenching incidents took place on May 9” and the day should be “reckoned as a Black Day”.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir asserted on Monday that the recent attacks on military installations and memorials were “intolerable” as he announced that May 25 would be observed across the country as “Pakistan Martyrs Day”. The army chief passed these remarks in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters, Rawalpindi, to honour the martyrs, a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. During the ceremony — which was attended by a large number of senior military officers and families of martyrs — Gen Munir awarded military honours to the officers and men of the Pakistan Army for their “bravery and outstanding service to the nation during operations”. The military’s media wing quoted the COAS as saying: “Undoubtedly, we are living in a free atmosphere due to the martyrs’ sense of duty and great sacrifices”. “The sacrifices of martyrs and services of ghazis are our valuable asset and pride.” Pakistan Army, Gen Munir stated, was an institution that always remembered every person associated with it and their families, “and our relationship as a family is a proud and exemplary one”. He added that every soldier and officer of the Pakistan Army put their duties and responsibilities first, “regardless of regional, linguistic, and political prejudices and distinctions”. “A strong army guarantees the security and unity of the country,” the COAS stressed. He also expressed grief at the recent attacks on military installations and memorials — during the violence on May 9 — and termed such actions “intolerable”. The ISPR added that 51 kins of martyrs received Sitara-e-Imtiaz (military) while 22 officers and jawans were awarded Tamgha-e-Basalat. Two officers were awarded the United Nations Special Medal.
Commission probing audio leaks announces public proceedings ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
A high-powered judicial commission, which has been tasked with investigating the audio leaks concerning the judiciary, declared on Monday it will conduct its inquiry in a transparent manner accessible to the public. Last week, the government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) notified a three-member commission to investigate within a month the secretly-recorded conversations that it claimed have raised questions about the “independence, impartiality and uprightness” of superior court judges in administering justice. Headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the panel also includes Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) and Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). A notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Friday declared that several leaked conversations over the past year have eroded public trust and raised “serious concerns” about the impartiality of judges. “Under the Constitution […] the independence, integrity and character of chief justices/judges is of utmost importance for keeping the public trust and confidence in the administration of justice,” it said.
The communiqué, however, showed scant interest in uncovering the government agency responsible for the illegal recordings of conversations, which spared not even the family members of the top judges. The commission held its first hearing today in courtroom number 7 of the Supreme Court. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan also appeared before the panel. Members of the commission said it was in the interest of the public to address the apprehensions surrounding the independence of the judiciary after the government invoked Section 3 of the Pakistan Commissions of the Inquiry Act, 2017, to commission the inquiry. During the proceedings, Justice Isa formally requested the complete names and addresses of all individuals implicated in the recordings. He clarified that the commission’s primary objective is to gather factual information and not to pursue punitive action against anyone. It is important to note that this commission should not be confused with the Supreme Judicial Council, as all proceedings will take place within the premises of the top court in Islamabad. During the session, Attorney General Awan highlighted that the establishment of the commission falls under the Inquiry Commission
Act. Justice Isa said that in-camera proceedings could be considered upon request from witnesses or parties involved, and he mentioned the possibility of visiting Lahore to record statements from a “few elderly women.” The selection of the commission’s secretary will be finalized soon, and Justice Isa assured that efforts would be made to conduct proceedings in accordance with the
commission’s mandate. He reiterated that the commission would not take action against any judge and emphasized that the jurisdiction of the Supreme Judicial Council would not be interfered with. Justice Isa made it clear that the commission possesses the authority to issue summons to uncooperative individuals, although they prefer to issue notices first. Further-
more, he suggested publishing advertisements in both English and Urdu newspapers to gather information from the public. To ensure the authenticity of the audio recordings, Justice Isa suggested consulting the Punjab Forensic Agency. If individuals claim that their voices were either manipulated or not their own, verification should be conducted prior to the proceedings.
Imran challenges judicial panel probing secret recordings ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Monday petitioned the Supreme Court against the formation by the government of a judicial commission to probe recently leaked audio tapes that plunged the pugnacious judiciary into controversy. The development came days after the government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) notified a three-member commission to investigate the secretly-recorded conversations that it claimed have raised questions about the “independence, impartiality and uprightness” of superior court judges in administering justice. Headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the panel also includes Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) and Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). A notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Friday declared that several leaked conversations over the past year have eroded public trust and raised “serious concerns” about the
impartiality of judges. “Under the Constitution […] the independence, integrity and character of chief justices/judges is of utmost importance for keeping the public trust and confidence in the administration of justice,” it said. The communiqué, however, showed scant interest in uncovering the government agency responsible for the illegal recordings of conversations, which spared not even the family members of the top judges. The opposition party of former prime minister Imran Khan filed a constitutional petition, nominating the state and the ministry of interior, which is headed by a confidante of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, as respondents. The primary objective of the commission is to scrutinise leaked tape apparently involving present and former members of the superior courts, as well as their family members. The investigation aims to determine the authenticity of these recordings and assess any potential impact on the independence of the judiciary.
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