- Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement Survey (PSLM)?
“PSLM” refers to the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) conducts the PSLM to gather data on various aspects of living standards, socio-economic conditions, and poverty in Pakistan.
PSLM is the main mechanism to provide data for;
- Monitoring of social indicator at National/Provincial and at district level.
- It is major source of information needed by planners, policy makers, Research worker, Statisticians, National & International organization and this survey data for poverty assessment and Monitoring and Reporting of SDGs.
- This survey provided estimated National, Provincial and district level with Urban/Rural breakdown. PSLM is conducted on every alternate year (District and Provincial level) PSLM District level survey collects information on Key Social indicators.
- It is the main source of consumption of Multidimensional poverty & 21 indicators of SDGs being monitored & through PSLM survey.
All publications along with Microdata and Questionnaire is available at
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/content/microdata
User friendly Dashboard for data users available at
https://pslm-sdgs.data.gov.pk/districtlevel
Key Words: (PSLM, Social and Living Standards, Household Survey, Poverty Alleviation, well-being, Socioeconomic, SDGs)
- Main Sectors covered in PSLM survey?
| S.No | Section/Microdata | Indicator List |
| 1 | SEC B1-Household Roster | 1. Age
2. Marital Status 3. Demographic Characteristics |
| 2 | SEC B2- Migration & Disability | 1. Functional Limitation (Disability)
2. Migration |
| 3 | SEC C1-Education | 1. Literacy (10 Years & Above)
2. Adult Literacy (15 Years & Above) 3. Youth Literacy (15-24) 4. Out of School (age 5-16) 5. Net Enrollments Rate (Primary, Middle & Matric) 6. Gross Enrollment Rate (Primary, Middle & Matric) 7. Gross Enrolment rate for Government primary Schools(Excluding Katchi class) 8. Net Enrolment rate for Government primary Schools(Excluding Katchi class) |
| 4 |
SEC C2-Information and Communication Technology(ICT) |
1. Percentage of Household with computer/Mobile/Internet
2. Percentage of Individual with Mobile ownership 3. Percentage of Individual Using Internet 4. Percentage of Individuals with ICT skills |
| 5 |
SEC D-Health |
– |
| 6 | SEC E-Employment | – |
| 7 |
SEC F1-Housing Characteristics |
1. Percentage distribution of Household with main source of drinking water
2. Percentage of households paying for water 3. Who installed the water Delivery system 4. Distance to water source 5. Type of Toilet used by the households 6. Type of Sanitation system used 7. Percentage Distribution of households by housing tenure 8. Percentage Distribution of households by material used for roof 9. Percentage Distribution of households by material used for walls 10. Percentage Distribution of households by material used for floor 11. Percentage Distribution of households by number of rooms 12. Percentage Distribution of households by Fuel used for Lighting 13. Percentage Distribution of households by Fuel used for cooking 14. Percentage of Household have specific Place of Hand washing with soap and Water |
| 8 | SEC F2-Water Sanitation | |
| 9 | SEC F3-Solid Waste Management | |
| 10 | SEC G-Assets in Possession | 1. Percentage distribution of households by Perception of their Economic situation
2. compared to the year before 3. Percentage distribution of households by Perception of their Economic situation of the 4. community compared to the year before |
| 11 | SEC H-Selected Durable Items | |
| 12 | SEC I-Vaccination and Diarrhoea Children Under 5 Years | 1. Percentage of children aged 12-23 months that have been immunized
2. Percentage of children aged 12-23 months that have been immunized by type of 3. Antigen – Based on Record 4. Percentage of children aged 12-23 months that have been immunized by type of 5. Antigen – Based on Record and recall 6. Children under 5 suffering from diarrhea in past 30 days 7. Treatment of diarrhea in children under 5 years Type of practitioner consulted for diarrhea treatment |
| 13 | SEC J-Pre and Post Natal Care (All Ever Married Women 15-49 | 1. Pre-Natal Consultation
2. Post-Natal Consultation 3. Percentage of Children that have been immunized-fully immunized |
| 14 | SEC K-Food Insecurity Experience Scale FIES | 1. Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity using Food Insecurity Experience scale Module |
| 15 | SEC L-Benefit From Services and Facilities | 1. Percentage Distribution of household satisfaction by Facilities and service use |
Link of Indicator List is given below in PDF.
Key Words: (PSLM, Social and Living Standards, Household Survey, Poverty Alleviation, well-being, Socioeconomic, Health, Literacy, FIES, Disability, Functional Limitations, Washington Group, Pre Natal, Post Natal, WASH, Information Communication and Technology- ICT, SDG)
- Functional Limitation VS Disability?
Functional limitation refers to a specific difficulty in performing a task or action, disability considers a more comprehensive range of factors, including the impact on overall participation in daily life.
In PSLM District level Survey short questionnaire of Washington Group has been included for reporting of Persons with Functional Limitation in PSLM 2019-20. Disability is also reported from Survey. For representative estimate the sample of the survey was also enhanced from 80,000 households to 1, 95,000 households.
Key Words: (PSLM, Social and Living Standards, Household Survey, Disability, Functional Limitations, Washington Group, SDG, Disaggregation with Disability)
- Is microdata of Survey is Accessible?
Yes, the microdata is available, there should be accompanying documentation such as questionnaires, manuals of Instruction, and information on the data format (SPSS, STATA, etc.).
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/content/pslm-district-level-survey-2019-20-microdata/
Key Words: (Microdata, data, PSLM data, SDG)
- HIES/PSLM Data Access?
The data of PSLM/HIES can be access through Dashboard even that disaggregation of District Level. SDGs indicator data is also available on the dashboard on the https://pslm-sdgs.data.gov.pk/districtlevel
Key Words: (Microdata, data, PSLM data)
- “PRIMARY GROSS ENROLMENT RATE” Methodology ?
Number of children attending primary level (classes 1-5) divided by number of children of particular aged multiplied by 100.Enrolment in Katchi is excluded.
The overall GER Primary Level (Excluding Kachi Class) is 91 percent in 2014-15 and 84 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//pslm/publications/pslm_district_2019-20/tables/2.3a.pdf/
Key Words: (Gross Enrollment rate, GER)
- “PRIMARY NET ENROLMENT RATE” Computation?
Number of children attending primary level (classes 1-5) of particular age divided by children of particular age multiplied by 100.Enrolment in Katchi is excluded.
The overall PRIMARY NET ENROLMENT RATE (Excluding Kachi Class) is 67 percent in 2014-15 and 64 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//pslm/publications/pslm_district_2019-20/tables/2.6a.pdf/
Key Words: (Net Enrollment rate, NER)
- “MIDDLE GROSS ENROLMENT RATE” ?
Number of children attending middle level (classes 6-8) divided by number of children of particular aged multiplied by 100.
The overall MIDDLE GROSS ENROLMENT RATE is 62 percent in 2014-15 and 63 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Gross Enrollment rate, GER)
- “MIDDLE NET ENROLMENT RATE”
Number of children attending middle level (classes 6-8) of particular age divided by children of particular age multiplied by 100.
The overall MIDDLE NET ENROLMENT RATE is 37 percent in 2014-15 and stagnant in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Net Enrollment rate, NER)
- “MATRIC GROSS ENROLMENT RATE” Practice of PBS
Number of children attending matric level (classes 9-10) divided by number of children of particular age multiplied by 100.
The overall MATRIC GROSS ENROLMENT RATE is 58 percent in 2014-15 and 57 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Gross Enrollment rate, GER
- Computation Methodology “MATRIC NET ENROLMENT RATE”
Number of children of particular age attending matric level (classes 9-10) divided by number of children of particular age multiplied by 100.
The overall MATRIC NET ENROLMENT RATE is 27 percent in 2014-15 and stagnant in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Net Enrollment rate, NER)
- “LITERACY RATE” Computation Practice
Population aged 10 years and older that can read and write a simple statement with understanding in any language expressed as percentage of total population aged 10 years and older.
The overall LITERACY RATE is 60 percent in 2014-15 and stagnant in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Literacy, Literacy Rate )
- “YOUTH LITERACY RATE AGE ” Population aged 15-24 years and older that can read and write a simple statement with understanding in any language expressed as percentage of total population aged 10 years and older.
The overall YOUTH LITERACY RATE AGE (15-24) is 72 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Literacy, Literacy Rate , Youth Literacy)
- “ADULT LITERACY RATE” AGE CRITERIA “15 YEARS AND OLDER”
Population aged 15 years and older that can read and write a simple statement with understanding in any language expressed as percentage of total population aged 10 years and older.
The overall ADULT LITERACY RATE15 YEARS AND OLDER is 57 percent in 2014-15 and stagnant in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Literacy, Literacy Rate, Adult Literacy)
- “BASED ON RECALL-ATLEAST ONE IMMUNIZATION”
Children aged 12-23 months reported as having received at least one immunization expressed as percentage of all children aged 12-23 months.
The overall BASED ON RECALL-ATLEAST ONE IMMUNIZATION is 99 percent in 2014-15 and 98 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Health, Immunization Recall Based or Record Base)
- “FULLY IMMUNIZED -BASED ON RECORD ”
Children aged 12-23 months who reported having received full immunization who also have an immunization card, expressed as a percentage of all children aged 12-23 months. To be classified as fully immunised a child must have received: ’BCG’, PENTA1, PENTA2, PENTA3, polio1, polio2, polio3 and Measles.
The overall BASED ON RECORD –FULLY IMMUNIZED is 60 percent in 2014-15 and 70 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Health, Immunization Recall Based or Record Base)
- “DIARRHOEA”
Children less than 5 years who suffered from diarrhoea in the last 30 days expressed as percentage of all children aged less than 5 years.
The overall DIARRHOEA is 60 percent in 2014-15 and 70 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Health, PSLM, DIARRHOEA)
- “PRE-NATAL” Consultations from PSLM
Ever married women aged 15 – 49 years who had given birth in the last three years and who had attended at least one pre-natal consultation during the last pregnancy, expressed as a percentage of all ever married women aged 15 – 49 years who had given birth in the last three years.
The overall PRE-NATAL is 60 percent in 2014-15 and 70 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Health, PSLM, PRE NATA, consultations during Pregnancy )
- “POST-NATAL” Consultations from PSLM
Postnatal is the period beginning immediately after the birth of a child and extending for about six weeks. Ever married women aged 15-49 years who received post-natal check-up expressed as a percentage of all ever married women aged 15-49 years who had a birth in the last three years.
The overall POST-NATAL is 60 percent in 2014-15 and 70 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (Health, PSLM, Post NATA, consultations during Pregnancy)
- “SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER” from PSLM Referes
Percentage of household by Source of drinking water (from where household obtained drinking water), expressed as a percentage of the total number of household. Information has been collected on tap water, motorized pumping, hand pump, dug well, Spring \river\pond\stream\canal, tanker, mineral water and filtration plant.
The overall SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER is 60 percent in 2014-15 and 70 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (PSLM. Living Standards, Housing, Housing Characteristics, Drinking Water, Improved Source of Drinking Water, WASH, SDG 6.1.1)
- “TYPE OF TOILET”
Percentage of household by type of toilet, expressed as a percentage of the total number of household. Information has been collected on tap water, motorized pumping, hand pump, dug well, Spring \river\pond\stream\canal, tanker, mineral water and filtration plant. Toilet is a fixture for defecation and urination, consisting of a bowl fitted with a hinged seat and connected to a waste pipe and a flushing apparatus. In the questionnaire response was recorded regarding the type of toilet used by the household. A toilet, which is used by the household and is situated in the yard, is considered as a toilet in the household. Categories: “Flush” consists of flush connected to public sewerage, flush connected to pit and flush to open drain while “Non-Flush” contains dry raised latrine and dry pit latrine.
The overall TYPE OF TOILET is 60 percent in 2014-15 and 70 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (PSLM. Living Standards, Housing, Housing Characteristics, Toilet, Improved Toilet, Flush, Non- Flush, WASH, SDG 6.2.1)
- How does PSLM calculate “HAND WASHING”?
Percentage of Households with specific Place of Hand washing with soap, expressed as a percentage of the total number of household. Hand washing with soap as an effective, affordable way to prevent diseases and also an SDGs indicator (6.2.1b: Population with a basic hand washing facility: a device to contain, transport or regulate the flow of water to facilitate hand washing with soap and water in the household.) . PSLM (2018-19) collects information from households about the facility of specific place of Hand Washing with availability of Hand Washing Agent like Soap, detergent etc.
The overall HAND WASHING is 60 percent in 2014-15 and 70 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (PSLM. Living Standards, Housing, Housing Characteristics, WASH, Hygiene, Hand Washing, Soap , SDG 6.2.1)
- How does PSLM calculate “CLEAN FUEL”?
Percentage of Households using Clean Fuel for cooking, Lighting and, expressed as a percentage of the total number of household. Clean fuels are defined as Technologies/Fuel used for Cooking, Heating and lighting by a household that is not hazardous for health, as in developing countries household typically rely on solid fuels such as Wood, Charcoal, Biomass or Kerosene Oil with inefficient technologies e.g. open fires, stoves, space heaters or lamps for Cooking, Lighting and Heating.
The overall CLEAN FUEL is 60 percent in 2014-15 and 70 percent in 2019-20. detail Table can be seen here.
Key Words: (PSLM. Living Standards, Housing, Housing Characteristics, Fuel used for Cooking, Clean Fuel, SDG 7.2.1)
- How does PSLM calculate “MOBILE/SMART PHONE OWNERSHIP”?
Percentage of Individual owned Mobile/Smart Phone in last three months, expressed as total no of 10 years and older individuals. Mobile/Smart Phones are used for a variety of purposes, such as keeping in touch with family members, for conducting business etc. Modern cell Phones / Smart Phones are capable of much more than just sending and receiving phone calls or messages. Question regarding Ownership of Mobile/Smart Phone has been added for reporting of SDG 5.b.1.
Key Words: (PSLM. Living Standards, Housing, Housing Characteristics, ICT, SDG 17.8.1, SDG 4.4.1, SDG 5.b.1)
- How does PSLM calculate “USE OF INTERNET”?
Percentage of Individual 10 years and older used Internet in last three months expressed as total no of 10 years and older individuals. Internet, sometimes called simply “the Net,” is a worldwide system of Computer networks. In general, the Internet can be used to communicate across large or small distances, share information from any place in the world and access information in moments.
Key Words: (PSLM. Living Standards, Housing, Housing Characteristics, ICT, SDG 17.8.1, SDG 4.4.1, SDG 5.b.1)
- Is Income consumption is part of PSLM?
No, Income and Consumption is captured through Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES). HIES is also conducted under the umbrella of PSLM. Main Modules including Employment, Education, Pre-Natal, Post-Natal Care, Immunization and Housing characteristics are part of both surveys.
PSLM is representative at District level and HIES is provincially representative survey. PSLM and HIES surveys are conducted on alternative years and sample of PSLM district level survey is larger than HIES. Questionnaire, Reports and Microdata is available at
https://www.pbs.gov.pk/content/microdata
- What is meant by SDGs?
UN after completion of Millennium Development Goals in 2015 adopted sustainable Development Goals as development agenda for the period of 2015-2030. SDGs are extensive and complete with 17 Goals, 169 Targets and 244 indicators with aim of leaving no one behind.
PSLM/HIES survey are highest major source of reporting of SDGs from Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Both PSLM/HIES surveys provide 33 indicators.
- History of PSLM/ PSLM Over time ?
- Pakistan Social & Living Standards Measurement Survey (PSLM) was a Public Sector Development Programs (PSDP) funded project.
- PSLM Project commenced in 2004 and continued up to June, 2015 as PSLM district Level & Household Integrated Economic Survey reported at provincial Level and conducted in alternate years.
- Twelve (12) rounds of PSLM/HIES have been completed.
- Seven round of PSLM district level have been completed i.e. 2004-05,2006-07,2008-09,2010-11,2012-13,2014-15,and the latest survey of Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) survey was conducted in 2019-20.
- Reports of all rounds of PSLM/HIES have been published; placed on PBS website and micro data have also been available for indenters.
Key Words: (PSLM, Social and Living Standards, Household Survey, Poverty Alleviation, well-being, Socioeconomic, Health, Literacy, FIES, Disability, Functional Limitations, Washington Group, Pre Natal, Post Natal, WASH, Information Communication and Technology- ICT, SDG)
- Sampling Technique used for Selection of Sample of PSLM Survey?
- All urban/rural areas of Pakistan considered included AJK & GB
- Two stage sampling technique is adopted
Block is selected at first Stage using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) in this method blocks are selected according to measure of size (MOS) i.e. number of household blocks have more household have higher probability of selection. A block in surveying is a defined area of land with clear boundaries, organized by streets or survey lines. It serves as a fundamental unit for urban planning, allowing for the systematic development and organization of cities and towns. It is a fundamental unit for organizing and dividing large areas into manageable sections for the purpose of urban development.
- PSU: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics for Field Operation purpose divide the whole Pakistan into small compact areas with district boundaries comprises of 220-250 households. This is called the Primary Sampling Unit of Survey.
- After blocks selection at first phase at second stage household is selected using systematic sampling technique.
Key Words: (PSLM Sample Design, PSLM Sample Technique)
- Is Survey Representative at Tehsil Level?
The sample of the survey is carefully selected to ensure that it is representative of the entire population at National, Provincial and District level. This involves using appropriate sampling techniques to capture the diversity within the population and account for regional variations. However the survey does not provide the representative results at Tehsil Level.
- What is the Main use of PSLM/ HIES Survey?
- Estimation of Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a comprehensive measure that assesses poverty on multiple dimensions rather than solely relying on income or. It was developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The MPI provides a more nuanced understanding of poverty by considering various deprivations that individuals may face in their daily lives.
The MPI considers three main dimensions:
- Health: This dimension includes indicators such as nutrition, child mortality, and access to health services.
- Education: Indicators related to education encompass years of schooling and school attendance.
- Standard of living:
This dimension involves factors like access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and housing. Within each dimension, specific indicators are chosen to reflect deprivations that people may experience. The MPI then calculates a poverty index by determining the percentage of the population experiencing simultaneous deprivations in multiple dimensions.
A person is considered multidimensional poor if they are deprived in at least one-third of the weighted indicators. The index provides insights into the intensity of poverty and the overlapping deprivations that individuals may face.
The Multidimensional Poverty Index is used by policymakers, researchers, and development organizations to design more targeted and effective poverty reduction strategies. It complements traditional income-based measures of poverty, providing a more holistic view of people’s well-being and living conditions.
- Estimation of Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)
The Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) is a tool developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to measure the extent and severity of food insecurity at the household and individual levels. FIES is added in PSLM and HIES both survey to assess people’s direct experiences of food insecurity, capturing both the frequency and intensity of these experiences.
The FIES is based on a set of eight standard questions, each corresponding to a specific aspect of food insecurity. Respondents are asked about their experiences and feelings related to access to food over the past 12 months. The questions are designed to elicit information on different dimensions of food insecurity, ranging from concerns about having enough food to experiencing actual hunger due to lack of resources.
Key Words: (PSLM, Social and Living Standards, Household Survey, Poverty Alleviation, well-being, Socioeconomic, Health, Literacy, FIES, Disability, Functional Limitations, Washington Group, Pre Natal, Post Natal, WASH, Information Communication and Technology- ICT, SDG, MPI, FIES)
