Pakistan launched its first-ever digital population and housing census on March 1, 2023, in an effort to securely gather demographic data on every individual ahead of the General Elections this year.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah urged people to take part in the digital census as this data will allow the government to improve resource allocation in different areas based on population and socio-economic conditions.

“If you are unable to register through self-enumeration, the census staff will visit your house. Make sure that all your details and details of your family members are noted accurately,” he said at the Sindh Literature Festival on Friday.

The CM advised the people to reach out to the Assistant Commissioner of their area if census staff did not reach their homes in time.

Citizens can use the PBS’s toll-free helpline (0800-57574) to lodge a complaint, in case a census taker does not record their details accurately.

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics launched an online self-enumeration portal that allows individuals and families from all across the country to add their personal and household information to the national database hassle-free.

The portal was launched on February 20. The initial deadline for self-enumeration had been set for March 3 but the PBS has extended the deadline for self-enumeration by one week.

The data is collected on a household basis. Hostels, religious institutions, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, and old-age homes are considered ‘Collective Households’ and are not eligible for the self-enumeration portal.

Here’s how you can use the portal to enter your information for the digital census 2023:

Step 1: Registration

Go to: https://self.pbs.gov.pk

Enter your mobile number and address in the registration form.

You will receive an SMS with a six-digit code for verification.

Enter the code and sign up.

Step 2: Log In

Log into the portal with your mobile number and password after completing the registration.

Step 3: Family information

Enter your and your family members’ information, starting with the head of the family. The remaining members must be added in chronological order.

This section is divided into two parts.

In the first part, users must add the names, ages, genders and other details of the people who have lived or intend to live in the same house for six months. Details of household members who are temporarily living elsewhere can also be added.

After filling out the required fields, click on ‘Save Member’ to add the next individual. Once all members have been added, select ‘Go to Next Step.’

The second part requires basic details of each individual you have been added to the list, including their religion, mother tongue, level of education, employment status, migration history, and functional limitations (if any).

Save all the information and move on to the next step.

Step 4: Housing Information

Enter your housing information including, the status of the household, the owner of the house, the material used for the house, the source of drinking water, etc.

Step 5: Review and verify data

Once you have completed both sections, make sure to review and verify the details added for each household member. If the forms require any changes, click on the relevant field to correct the information.

Step 6: Submit your data

Submit the completed Census questionnaire.

You will receive an SMS with a Unique Token Number (UTN).

Save the UTN and wait for government representatives to visit your house for data collection in the coming weeks.

Show them your UTN and get your data verified.

The census takers will geo-tag your house once your data is verified

The digital census will continue until April 1.