Historic Step in Afghanistan: First Population Census to Begin after 40 Years

DID Press: Head of Afghanistan’s National Statistics and Information Authority under Taliban caretaker government announced the launch of a nationwide population census and door-to-door household listing for the first time in more than four decades, aimed at providing accurate demographic data.

Abdul Qahir Idrees, director of the National Statistics and Information Authority, said Tuesday during the 8th meeting of ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) statistics chiefs—held online from Kabul—that the census and household survey process has officially begun.

Idrees stressed that conditions are now in place for the census to be carried out successfully. He noted that no official population census has been conducted in Afghanistan since 1979, and described the initiative as a crucial step toward obtaining precise demographic information.

Officials say the census will support more effective planning for public services, infrastructure development, and policymaking in social and economic sectors.