RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Up to 200,000 Pakistan army troops will be deployed to support conduct of much-awaited sixth population & housing census in the Country, scheduled in March 2017.
In this regard, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa gave his approval on Friday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a statement issued on Friday, the ISPR said that “Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa approves plan to support conduct of 6th Population & Housing Census.”
The ISPR further said that “up to 200,000 troops the troops will be deployed while continuing other security responsibilities.”
#COAS approves plan to support conduct of 6th Population & Housing Census. Upto 200,000 troops will be emp while cont other security resps.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) January 27, 2017
The two-month long sixth population census will be held from March 15 till May 15 after a gap of 19 years.
The census will be carried out in two phases across the Country. The first phase will be completed in April 15 while the second phase is likely to be initiated from April 24 and will end in May 15.
So far, five population census have been held in Pakistan in 1951, 1961, 1972, 1981 and 1998.
For 2017 census, the 1998 model will be followed and Pakistan army will again be engaged to hold the exercise in a more credible and transparent manner.
