Farooq Awan

Pakistan has completed its first fully digital Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES), covering 32,000 households nationwide, marking a major transformation in how official socio-economic data are collected, processed and analysed, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The HIES 2024–25 represents a significant departure from previous survey cycles, as all stages — from data collection to validation and compilation — were carried out through a fully digital system. The transition enabled real-time monitoring, improved data accuracy and faster availability of results, strengthening the reliability of national statistics.

The survey was conducted across all provinces and regions, ensuring provincial-level representation and comprehensive coverage of urban and rural populations. Using digital questionnaires and centralized data management systems, the survey captured detailed information on household income, consumption, education, health, housing, water, sanitation, energy use and access to technology.

According to the survey findings, the digital approach enhanced data consistency and reduced reporting errors that commonly occur in manual data collection. Real-time validation tools allowed supervisors to identify inconsistencies during field operations, thereby improving overall data quality and completeness.

The 2024–25 HIES also marked the first time that extensive modules on information and communication technology (ICT) and the gig economy were integrated into the national household survey framework. This allowed for a more comprehensive assessment of digital access, employment patterns, and emerging economic trends across the country.

In addition, the digital survey framework strengthened coordination between field teams and central data units, enabling faster processing and analysis of large datasets. This has improved the timeliness of statistical outputs, allowing policymakers to access up-to-date information for evidence-based decision-making.

The transition to a fully digital survey represents a major institutional milestone for Pakistan’s statistical system. By modernising data collection methods, the HIES 2024–25 has enhanced transparency, accuracy, and efficiency, setting a new standard for future national surveys and supporting more informed policy formulation across sectors.

Credit: INP-WealthPk