The Federation Wednesday assured the Supreme Court of holding long-delayed population census from March 15 to May 15, 2017 in the country.

Disposing of a suo motu case over long-awaited population census, a two-member bench led by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali said the failure in fulfilling commitment in the matter shall lead to contempt proceedings against the concerned officials and government.

Appearing before the bench, Additional Attorney General for Pakistan Waqar Rana submitted a concise statement, saying the government will carry on its constitutional duty of holding population census from March 15 to May 15, 2017, in pursuance of the court's earlier directives.

Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali said while dictating a short order: "Additional Attorney General for Pakistan Waqar Rana submitted a concise statement on behalf of the federation, signed by additional secretary of statistical division.

In view of categorical statement of the government, we believe that census would be held accordingly. Any violation of commitment shall lead to contempt proceedings against the official concerned and the government."

-Business Recorder