Census 2023: Karachi fights for its rights

In recent years, the political situation in Karachi, the financial hub of Pakistan, has undergone great changes. Other than politics, the people have also experienced various hardships for survival, with one of the important concerns being the census. The 2017 census results led to widespread tussle and disappointment among pundits, youth and ordinary residents who remember Karachi's ideologically dominant group. The following blog examines the assessment controversy and the resulting struggle for fair representation and resources in Karachi.

Controversy over the 2017 census:

Pakistan's 2017 census faced an analysis of various factors, which led to innumerable resentment among the people, especially in Karachi. One of the main problems is the apparent disregard or rejection of militant minorities. This has raised questions about the accuracy and relevance of the census results. There are also questions about identification strategies, delays, irregularities in the categorisation of information, and political implications, further fuelling the debate.

Political implications and institutional limitations:

One of the main causes of the unrest was the redrawing of electoral boundaries. Some regional and ideological groups expressed disappointment with the assessment's findings because it affected the distribution of power and assets. The dubious distribution of seats and preferences toward specific districts energised the interest for another enumeration, which was held rashly this year, just a short time after the past one.

Citizen activism and struggle for a fair census:

The controversies surrounding the census in Karachi are not merely driven by political gains or agendas of certain parties. Citizens of Karachi and other concerned individuals have independently raised these issues in the past, indicating that the problem is genuine and extends beyond political motivations. For example, in 2021, Karachi's youth took matters into their own hands and organised a unique digital protest on social media, utilising the hashtag “#MujheBhiGinlo”. This campaign gained significant traction and topped Twitter's trending list, reflecting the frustration and determination of Karachi's residents to ensure a fair and accurate census.

Abnormal population growth of the province:

In the 1998 census, the Larkana division accounted for 13.83% of the province's population, with a recorded population of 6.19 million. However, the subsequent census of 2017 showed that the population share of the sector decreased to 12.94%. Also, considering Larkana's annual population growth rate of only 2.05%, it is unlikely that the population will exceed seven million.

There is no clear migration trend or unusually high growth rate to explain the sudden increase of population in the province. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the province's population in this census exceeded expectations, while doubts remain about the accuracy of Karachi's population growth. The discrepancy raises doubt over the underlying political motives affecting the census results.

It became increasingly apparent that political agendas may have played a role in artificially inflating the county's population. These differences underscore the need for a comprehensive review of census methodologies and data collection processes. A transparent and objective approach is needed to ensure that the census accurately reflects accurate population figures and does not promote political interests.

MQM's role and the ongoing struggle:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is a Karachi-based political party that has played a prominent role in the struggle for a fair census. They began an organised campaign in February, using various tactics to raise awareness and push for accurate representation. Their efforts included public gatherings, party meetings, press conferences and detailed meetings with key stakeholders to address issues surrounding the census. They met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal and officials from the PBS to express their concerns and demand a fair triage. The party also uses social media platforms such as Twitter to ensure its message reaches a wider audience.

Senator Syed Faisal Subzwari's letter:

In a significant move, Senator and Federal Minister Faisal Subzwari wrote a letter to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), highlighting the discrepancies in the census and the need for an accurate count in Karachi. In response, NADRA provided its data on registered Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) in Karachi, showing evidence of the city's population size.

Syed Mustafa Kamal's statement:

MQM leader Syed Mustafa Kamal highlighted the importance of a fair census and its implications for Karachi. He said:

“Pakistan is not capable of any adventurism. If you count Karachi correctly, we will not be able to learn the nuclear secrets or find the keys to Pakistan's treasures. Karachi is only asking for its rightful resources like quota in proper education, access to drinking water and a reasonable budget for infrastructure development.”

Kamal's statement reflects the views of the people of Karachi, who seek fair representation and access to resources as basic rights of every human being. However, the question remains whether entities opposed to a fair count are strong enough to continue to control the situation, leading to another controversial census, or whether “Pakistan's officials” will play a role in ensuring a fair and transparent count. Whether MQM-P will win the battle and the hearts of its disgruntled voters is also an interesting question.

Challenges and concerns:

While it managed to get several extensions and pass the 2017 census, the MQM-P recently rejected the 2023 census. The denial is a repeat of the contentious issues that arose in 2017, which is likely to make things worse than before. Karachi, the country's largest city and economic powerhouse, has historically faced underestimation controversies. Independent researchers have raised concerns about the methodology used in the current census, particularly with regard to the population of Karachi. These concerns add to the complaints of Karachi citizens, who have independently expressed their displeasure with previous censuses.

The fight for a fair census continues, with the search for accurate representation and allocation of resources among them. The controversies surrounding the 2017 census and the subsequent demands for a new census highlight the importance of ensuring transparency, accuracy, and fairness in such crucial population surveys. It remains to be seen whether the power pillars in Pakistan will facilitate a fair census or perpetuate the existing challenges. The fate of Karachi's citizens and their quest for their rightful resources hang in the balance as the battle for a fair census persists.