Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has unveiled results of the country's first digital economic census, describing it as an important milestone to achieve the socio-economic targets. Sharing details of the economic census at a ceremony organized by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in Islamabad , he stated that this census will provide a foundation for scientific economic planning, which can lead to a transformative impact on policymaking, investment, employment, financial resource allocation and social services.

He expressed confidence that by effectively utilizing this data, the country’s economy can achieve significant growth.  Appreciating the work of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and other relevant officials, the Minister for Planning stated that forty million buildings were geotagged during the census, revealing that 7.2 million entities are engaged in economic activities. He mentioned that every entity has been recorded with an industrial code in order to ensure decisions on scientific basis.

Ahsan Iqbal said that this economic census also brings to fore the economic activities taking place at the domestic level. He said ten million households are engaged in economic activities or operating micro businesses. He said this information will help us to further empower the women.    The Minister for Planning said that out of 7.2 million entities, 2.7 million are associated with retail business and one hundred and eighty eight thousand with whole sale business. He said there are eight hundred and twenty five thousand different services shops.

Twenty three thousand factories across the country are contributing to the production while there are six hundred and forty three thousand small production units.  Ahsan Iqbal said the economic survey will provide us an opportunity to bring the non-formal sector into the mainstream. The Minister for Planning said that this census also provides us valuable information about the social sector. He said there are two hundred and forty two thousand schools and over thirty six thousand Madaris across the country. 

Additionally, there are 11,568 colleges and 214 universities. The number of health facilities stands at one hundred and nineteen thousand, while the number of places of worship exceeds six hundred thousand.  He said this information will help us improve service delivery and ensure good governance.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)