Islamabad: A major household survey in Islamabad is now stirring debate.
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Household Survey was commenced under the Secure Neighbourhood drive. It has mapped thousands of homes across the capital to update resident records and boost city security.
By the end of November, authorities say more than 20,149 families have registered.
In one day alone, 1,944 homes were surveyed. Out of which, 1,905 households were visited by field teams and 39 submitted details via the official mobile app.
Supporters argue that the survey should have been earlier. They say it will help authorities track population growth, plan services.
Moreover, it will improve safety especially after a deadly suicide blast near Islamabad’s district court earlier this month.
Residents welcoming the move note Islamabad has seen a hub of internal migration. Many were concerned that without proper registration, some newcomers may be living without documentation.
But others strongly oppose the move, calling it invasive and a threat to privacy. Criticism came particularly from civil-rights groups.
Lawyers also pointed out a problem by illuminating that Pakistan lacks a strong data-protection law.
So far, there’s no clear law governing how collected personal information will be stored, shared or secured raising fears of misuse.
For now, authorities say the survey is “standard practice worldwide” and that many households are cooperating.
Yet in large parts of Islamabad, residents remain uneasy. And the divide between the call for security and demand for privacy remains wide.
