Enumerators traverse through tallest mountains to conduct census

GILGIT-BALTISTAN: The sixth population census data collection activities were carried out atop the tallest mountains in Pakistan Thursday.

Field staff traversed through the snow-ridden paths for hours to reach far-flung villages, to complete the house and headcount data collection that began in March.

Census activities were postponed until July in 25 villages in district Gul Tarri due to a heavy snowstorm and blocked roads.

More than half of Gilgit-Baltistan’s population lives in the tallest snow-ridden mountains. Census officials have to wait till the snow melts down towards the end of April and beginning of May, in order to reach these areas.

Five districts of Gilgit-Baltistan are part of the first phase of the census, which includes the collection of house count statistics that include offices, hotels and hostels, factories, schools, colleges, houses and worship places. Data collection of huts and caves used for residential purposes is also part of the house count exercise.

The government faces a challenge in the successful completion of the population census in the country's mountain areas. Enumerators continue to be persistent in the face of difficulties faced in the process.