Sixth population census in March 2016

ISLAMABAD: The Council of Common Interests (CCI) has decided to conduct 6th population census across the country in March 2016 with the support of armed forces as was done in the 1998 census, and that housing and population censuses would be held at the same time.
The cost would be shared by provinces through the divisible pool. The census is mandated after every 10 years. However, the slated census would be taking place after 16 years. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) asked the government through its summary in December, 2013 to conduct census at the earliest. It was stated in the summary that according to the Constitution, the holding of a census was necessary after every 10 years. The lack of a census could lead to raising questions about the transparency of general elections. The ECP suggested that a census be held before the 2018 general elections in Pakistan in order to help ascertain the actual count of the population and the formation of electoral constituencies. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif then approved the summary and asked to place it before the CCI. Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Sindh CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Pervaiz Khattak turned up for the meeting of the distinguished body but Balochistan CM Dr Abdul Malik Bloch was conspicuous with his absence where the grievances of the provinces are addressed equitably.
Dr Baloch is reportedly away on a Europe visit. Certain items couldn’t be discussed due to his absence. The CCI gave approval of the draft bill for the establishment of Pakistan Halal Authority. The meeting was informed that this will allow Pakistan to benefit from the huge potential that exists in the international market of Halal business worth trillions of dollars, bulk of which is being taken away by non-Muslim countries. The scope of Halal sector covers a wide range of items such as food, pharmaceuticals, health, food supplements and toiletries etc. Currently, Pakistan is taking only a nominal share of this huge export potential.