Pakistan Business Forum Applauds Digital Economic Census

Mian Zahid Hussain, President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), has lauded the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) for the successful culmination of the nation’s inaugural Digital Economic Census.

This census, incorporated within the 7th Population and Housing Census, marks a critical advancement for Pakistan’s economic intelligence and prospective strategies.

“This represents a game-changing moment for the Pakistani economy,” stated Mian Zahid Hussain, who also serves as Chairman of the National Business Group (NBG) and President of the All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA). “The PBS has achieved the most extensive digitization initiative of its kind in South Asia by digitally documenting and geo-referencing approximately 7 million business entities.”

The census delivers unprecedented perspectives into the architecture of Pakistan’s financial landscape, pinpointing over 7.14 million establishments overall.

Key observations underscore the prominent position of the Services sector, which accounts for the greatest number of establishments and employs the largest segment of the workforce. Data also indicates Punjab’s leadership in the count of business locations, with the Services sector exhibiting particular strength in Sindh and Islamabad.

This digital approach signifies a substantial advancement, shifting from conventional methodologies to provide reliable and authentic data. Each significant business unit underwent geo-tagging, with the gathering of extensive details regarding its operations, ownership, workforce dimensions, and other aspects. This data was compiled via a diverse strategy encompassing household-based, formal establishment, and provisional setup approaches.

“The accessibility of this dependable data will revolutionize the landscape,” Mian Zahid Hussain emphasized. “It will not only foster greater investor assurance but also facilitate well-informed decision-making among policymakers. We now have the capacity to bolster investor confidence, formulate focused cluster strategies, and harmonize our economic oversight with global benchmarks. This will bolster urban development, monitor our advancement trajectory, and cultivate a more appealing setting for both domestic and international investments.”

Mian Zahid concluded by restating the significance of this census in establishing a robust groundwork for a more thriving and data-centric future for Pakistan.