On Wednesday, Pakistan’s first census in 19 years kicked off in its 63 districts. Around 2 lakh security personnel are accompanying over 91,000 enumerators who are carrying out the sixth census – under Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The PBS has divided the sixth most populous nation of the world into over 168,275 census blocks – consisting of 250 to 300 houses.

For the first time, the Muslim state will have an option of three genders in its census –one for men, second for women, and third for those identifying as transsexuals.

Interestingly, the census is regressive when it comes to choice of religion. Pakistani citizens can identify themselves only as Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Ahmadi.  Those who don’t identify themselves in either of these categories will have to chose “members of scheduled castes” or “other”. This means communities such as Sikhs or Parsis will not b e represented in the census.

The PBS has listed only nine of the country’s estimated 70 languages. No regional language from Gilgit-Baltistan has been included.

For nationality, the agency has also given no options –Pakistani or foreigner. It also does not including any data on internal immigration.

In the first phase that is being carried out now – house and head counts will be enumerated till March 17. Homeless citizen will be counted on March 28 and summarily results are likely to get ready by July 25.

Notably, the Pakistan army was given judicial powers for “supervising the national headcount exercise,” by the PBS. The agency thinks that this will compel people to not only participate in the census but also remain truthful. The army can fine those found guilty with a fine of Rs 50,000-rupee and a six-month jail term.