ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Thursday formally launched the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024–25, marking a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s national data ecosystem and improving public welfare through evidence-based policymaking. The nationwide survey is designed to provide reliable and comprehensive data on education, health, income, consumption patterns, and cost of living, enabling informed policy decisions that directly impact millions of households across the country.
According to a press release issued by PBS, the survey is expected to play a critical role in improving service delivery and guiding development strategies at both federal and provincial levels. By offering an accurate picture of household-level socio-economic conditions, the initiative aims to support policies that are more responsive to the needs of citizens and aligned with ground realities.
The launch ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and hosted by Chief Statistician Dr. Naeem uz Zafar (SI). Also present were Muhammad Sarwar Gondal (SI), Member (SS/RM), and Ms. Rabia Awan, Deputy Director General (PSLM/PCS). Senior officials from the Ministry of Planning, members of the Technical Committee, key stakeholders, and PBS officers participated in the event, reflecting broad institutional support for the initiative.
PBS announced that it has completed the HIES 2024–25 and released its results, describing the survey as a major milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s national statistical system. Endorsed by the Technical Committee, the survey provides a comprehensive assessment of socio-economic conditions across the country and serves as a cornerstone for evidence-based policymaking, academic research, and private sector analysis.
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that the Ministry of Planning and PBS have undergone a transformation into modern, data-driven institutions. He noted that long-standing institutional backlogs are being cleared and analytical capacity is being enhanced to better support national development goals. According to the minister, credible and timely data is essential for informed decision-making and effective governance.
Highlighting recent achievements, he referred to the successful completion of Pakistan’s digital population census, the Digital Agriculture Census, and the Economic Survey of Pakistan. He stated that the HIES will further strengthen the country’s data infrastructure by enabling researchers, policymakers, and businesses to make informed decisions that translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
The minister observed that the survey reflects the economic challenges Pakistan has faced since 2018, including the impact of global crises on household incomes and living standards, particularly for the middle class. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that Pakistan has entered a recovery phase and is steadily moving toward sustainable economic growth.
Projecting economic prospects, Ahsan Iqbal said the government expects GDP growth of around 4 percent during the current fiscal year. He added that the government’s cautious and balanced economic approach is aimed at protecting public interests while ensuring long-term macroeconomic stability.
On social development, the minister said the HIES highlights progress in key areas such as health outcomes, digital access, and household income levels. However, he stressed that education remains a critical concern, describing it as an emergency issue with millions of children still out of school. Addressing this challenge, he said, is essential for inclusive and sustainable development.
He further emphasized that political stability, policy continuity, and effective implementation are vital to improving living standards nationwide. According to him, the “5Es Framework” under the URAAN Pakistan initiative provides a strategic roadmap for achieving inclusive development, economic resilience, and social progress.
The Household Integrated Economic Survey has been conducted regularly since 1963 and plays a central role in monitoring socio-economic indicators and tracking progress toward Sustainable Development Goals. PBS noted that the 2024–25 edition is the first fully digital HIES, covering 32,000 households across Pakistan through an integrated ERP-based system, significantly improving data accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.
PBS stated that the findings of HIES 2024–25 indicate improvements in education, health, digital connectivity, and income levels. The bureau added that the survey provides a strong foundation for people-centric and inclusive development policies, reinforcing the role of credible data in shaping Pakistan’s economic and social future.
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