ISLAMABAD:
In a strategic move to assess the full scale of destruction caused by recent rains and floods, the federal government has decided to utilize comprehensive data from the population, agricultural, and economic censuses. This data-driven approach aims to accurately evaluate human, agricultural, and economic losses across the affected regions.
According to officials, population and agriculture census data will be used to estimate damage to households, farmlands, and crops. Meanwhile, economic census figures will help gauge losses to businesses, industries, and infrastructure. To ensure pinpoint accuracy, geo-tagging technology will be employed to map the destruction of key facilities such as schools, colleges, mosques, and commercial centers.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) to initiate this effort immediately, with a pilot project already launched in the Narowal district—his hometown.
“The goal is to ensure targeted relief and recovery through accurate damage assessment,” said Iqbal. “Using modern data tools allows us to respond more effectively and rebuild smarter.”
The Agricultural Census collects detailed information on farming practices, land use, crop production, livestock, and irrigation methods. The Economic Census compiles data on all economic activities, including services, industries, and employment, offering insights into the structure and performance of the economy.
Geo-tagging, the process of attaching precise geographic coordinates to physical locations or assets using digital tools, will support the identification of damaged infrastructure and public facilities. This technique has become increasingly important in disaster response, urban planning, and resource management.
Experts believe this integrated approach could set a new standard for disaster management in Pakistan by linking real-time data with field-level damage tracking.
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