“On the explicit recommendation of the provinces the date for self-enumeration has been initially extended for 7 days,” the statement said.

The initial deadline for self-enumeration had been set for March 3. Almost eight million people have already visited the portal.

In the new concept unveiled as part of the first-ever digital census in Pakistan, citizens have been given the option to register themselves. It will be carried out on a household basis, meaning that one member of the family can register the entire household.

People interested in registering themselves can access the portal at self.pbs.gov.pk.

The first-ever digital census began on March 1 with the aim of finalising and announcing results on April 30.

The project will cost Rs34 billion and will need 86,000 members of the armed forces for security. Authorities have also trained 121,000 field staff provided by provincial governments and 126,000 tablets with SIMs with compatible network have been provided for secure transformation of data.