The Pakistan Demographic Survey (PDS) is a crucial activity carried out by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) during intercensal periods to provide policymakers, planners, and administrators with reliable data on demographic indicators. The PDS results are essential for the planning of development programs for both the National and Provincial Governments. The PDS has been conducted regularly since its initiation in 1984, and the latest round, Pakistan Demographic Survey (PDS), 2020, is the twentieth round of the survey series. It provides detailed information on various demographic indicators, including Life Expectancy, Crude Birth Rate, Crude Death Rate, General Fertility Rate, Age-Specific Fertility Rates, Age Specific Death Rates, Infant Mortality Rate, and Rate of Natural Increase, etc., for the year 2018-2020 at the National level with an urban-rural breakdown. The results of the survey are compiled at the National level with an Urban-Rural Segregation.
Sample Design and Methodology
The Pakistan Demographic Survey (PDS) 2020, conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), utilized a stratified two-stage sample design to collect data on demographic indicators in both urban and rural areas of the four provinces of Pakistan, excluding military-restricted areas which make up 2% of the total population. PBS developed its own sampling frame for both urban and rural domains, where each city/town is divided into enumeration blocks comprising of 200-250 houses, each with well-defined maps and boundaries. The sample size was representative at the national level with urban and rural breakups, estimated at 6% relative margin of error (RMOE) and 95% confidence coefficient.
The sample size allocation and stratification plan was carried out in two domains of estimation, urban and rural. In rural domains, each administrative district in three provinces (Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and administrative division in Balochistan was considered as an independent stratum. In urban domains, each administrative division of the four provinces was considered as a separate stratum. The distribution of sample Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) and Secondary Sampling Units (SSUs) in the Urban and Rural domains of the four provinces was specified in Table 2.2.
Overall, the PDS 2020 utilized a robust and representative sample design to collect demographic data in both urban and rural areas of Pakistan. The use of a stratified two-stage sample design and PBS’s sampling frame ensured reliable and accurate data collection, which will serve as an essential resource for policymakers, planners, and administrators in the National and Provincial Governments for planning and development programs.
Significant Findings or Trends
Based on the Pakistan Demographic Survey, there are several significant findings and trends that can be analyzed. One such trend is the population growth rate, which has decreased slightly from 2.4% in 2017 to 2.1% in 2020 [1]. This decline in population growth rate can be attributed to increased awareness and access to family planning services.
Another finding is the changes in age distribution, where the proportion of the population in the age group of 0-14 years has decreased from 38.6% in 2017 to 36.9% in 2020. At the same time, the proportion of the population in the age group of 15-64 years has increased from 58.6% in 2017 to 60.1% in 2020 [1]. This shift in age distribution can have significant implications for social and economic policies, such as education and employment.
The survey also highlights changes in urbanization rates, with the proportion of the population living in urban areas increasing from 35.4% in 2017 to 36.3% in 2020 [1]. This increase in urbanization can have several consequences, such as pressure on infrastructure and services, increased demand for housing, and changes in consumption patterns.
Obtaining Microdata for the Pakistan Demographic Survey (PDS)
To obtain the microdata sets of the Pakistan Demographic Survey (PDS), you can visit the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) website [1]. On the website, you can find information on the PDS, including the survey reports and publications, as well as access to the microdata sets.
To request access to the microdata sets, you will need to fill out a data request form available on the website. The form requires information about the purpose of the request, the intended use of the data, and the details of the person or organization making the request. Once you have submitted the form, PBS will review your request and may require additional information before granting access to the microdata sets.
It’s worth noting that the microdata sets may be subject to certain restrictions or conditions, such as a requirement to acknowledge the source of the data in any publications or reports. Additionally, there may be fees associated with obtaining the microdata sets or using them for commercial purposes. You can find more information about these conditions on the PBS website data request tab.
Pakistan Demographic Survey List
Here is a list of all the Pakistan Demographic Surveys conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics:
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 1975
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 1984
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 1990-91
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 1992-93
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 1994-95
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 1996-97
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 2001
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 2003
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 2005
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 2006
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 2007
- Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, 2012-13
- Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, 2017-18
- Pakistan Demographic Survey, 2020
- Report on Key Findings of Pakistan Demographic Survey 2020
Note: Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS) are different from Pakistan Demographic Surveys (PDS).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Pakistan Demographic Survey (PDS) plays a crucial role in providing policymakers, planners, and administrators with reliable data on demographic indicators. The PDS results are essential for the planning of development programs for both the National and Provincial Governments. The PDS 2020 utilized a robust and representative sample design to collect demographic data in both urban and rural areas of Pakistan. The survey highlights several significant findings and trends, including a decline in population growth rate, changes in age distribution, and changes in urbanization rates. These findings and trends have significant implications for social and economic policies, such as education, employment, and infrastructure development. Overall, the PDS 2020 is a valuable resource that will aid in informed decision-making for policymakers and planners in Pakistan.