The government has planned to carry out national housing census on March 28; however, security arrangements for the countrywide exercise have not so far been finalised, according to sources in the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Sources have not ruled out the prospects of delay in census, saying that census can be delayed if the security arrangements are not in place. They, however, added that there is commitment of government and armed forces that the national census would take place as scheduled.
Responding to a question about funds, they said that funds are not an issue as majority of the expenses of around Rs 14 billion required for the purpose would be used on security arrangements. Meanwhile, Senate Standing Committee on Finance has decided to have an exclusive meeting on the issue as to how to prevent the count of foreigners present in the country, especially Afghan refugees, in the upcoming census. Chairman of the Committee Saleem Mandviwalla on the strong recommendations of the members decided to invite officials from Ministry of Interior, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as well as NADRA and Ministry of SAFRON to take their input on the issue as well as how to ensure that the upcoming census is credible.
Committee members Kamal Ali Agha and Fateh Muhammd Hassani said that on the basis of next census, distribution of resources from National Finance Commission between federal and provincial governments would be done and electoral roll for the elections as well as demarcation of the consistencies would take place.
Asif Bajwa, Chief Statistician, informed the committee that PBS has also discussed with Chief Minister of Balochistan and Chief Secretary with respect to Afghan refugees. He said that there is a punishment of six months for anyone who is found guilty of wrong verification of any household. He said armed forces have been involved in the process with a view to ensuring the credibility of census.
The members of the committee termed payment of Rs 480 billion to power producers for clearance of circular debt by the present government illegal as a laid down procedure was not followed. A meeting of the committee expressed serious reservations over clearance of such a huge amount of circular debt without any audit during last working days (June 28) of 2013 fiscal year and stated that Finance Ministry has committed serious violation and termed the entire process illegal. However, Rana Amin AGP, defended the payment and stated that nothing was done against the law and constitution. He said that audit report of the payment of circular debt has been prepared.
Committee member Mohsin Aziz said Finance Ministry has made illegal payments to the power producers while chairman and other members questioned as to what was the urgency to clear the payment through a letter during the last days of fiscal year soon after the present government came into the power. The AGP stated that there were no ghost pensioners in the National Bank of Pakistan, adding that special audit of all the pensioners is going to be conducted and the report of special audit would be ready by June 30.