PBS launches social, living standards survey in tribal areas: report

The Social and Living Standards and Household Integrated Economic Survey began in seven tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

According to a local media report, this survey is being conducted in order to compile data about 35 indicators, including health, education, living standard, women and poverty. The survey is expected to be completed in mid-2019.

According to a PBS official, “The General Statistics (Reorganisation) Act, 2011, had been extended to seven tribal districts after the 25th Constitutional Amendment of May last enabled the bureau to start the survey.”

“The ongoing exercise will be very accurate and reliable as separate questionnaires for men, women and labour force have been designed,” said the official.

Another area of significance is the nutrition in a region, where conflict, militancy and military operations have displaced millions, greatly affecting not just the psychological and physical health and socio-economic wellbeing of the population but also hampering the people’s access to proper nutrition.

The survey also seeks data on labour force in FATA that is likely to shed light on the skills and employment situation. Moreover, it had been reported that the survey is being conducted in 25 blocks created by the PBS in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan and South Waziristan tribal districts for the population census.