KHAR: Foolproof security measures have been taken for smooth conduct of the 6th population and housing census in Bajaur Agency beginning from April 25.

The plan was okayed at a meeting here on Saturday chaired by assistant political agent Mohammad Ali Khan.

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) senior official Amjad Ali Khan, focal person on census Maj Shahzad and officials of the local administration and security forces were in attendance.

Amjad Ali Khan, who is also in-charge of census operation in Bajaur, briefed the meeting about the arrangements and measures being taken to ensure smooth conduct of the census process in the region.

He informed the participants that the census activity would be conducted in two phases -- first phase would start from April 25 and end on May 10, while the second phase would commence from May 11 and continue till May 25.

He said total 413 teams comprising 564 staff had been formed for the purpose. The official added that all the staff had been given proper training on the census process.

The official said strict security measures had been adopted to ensure security of the census staff.

The PBS official said personnel of Bajaur Scouts and Bajaur Levies would accompany the census teams across the agency.

It was decided that giving incorrect and false information to the census teams would be considered a serious crime and those found involved in the wrongdoing would be fined Rs50,000. They would also face up to six months in prison.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2017