ISLAMABAD, Nov 12: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has entered into strategic data-sharing partnerships with several key national institutions to promote evidence-based policymaking and support sustainable development through improved inter-agency coordination and access to reliable statistics.
The memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed on the sidelines of DataFest 2025, a national conference organised by the PBS under the theme “Unlocking Tomorrow with AI.” The event featured over 60 interactive stalls and 30 thematic workshops, bringing together policymakers, innovators, youth leaders, and international partners to explore the transformative power of data in national planning.
The PBS signed MoUs with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the National Price Monitoring Committee, and the Planning & Development Department of Balochistan. The agreements aim to strengthen collaboration in data sharing, policy research, and innovation, enabling more informed decision-making and building a stronger, interconnected data ecosystem.
PBS Chief Statistician Dr Naeem-uz-Zafar emphasised data as a national asset for informed decision-making and sustainable development.https://t.co/hquq2olEcw
— Dawn Business (@dawn_business) November 12, 2025
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, speaking at the event, described data as “a tool for development,” stressing that effective policymaking depends on accurate and timely data. He urged the youth to embrace data-driven thinking to help optimise national resources and improve governance.
Secretary Planning and Development Awais Manzur Sumra praised PBS for successfully completing major national initiatives such as the Population and Housing Census 2023, the Economic Census, and the Integrated Agricultural Census.
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PBS Chief Statistician Dr Naeem-uz-Zafar called data a “national asset” essential for sustainable progress, urging the creation of a vibrant culture of data exchange across sectors. He announced new initiatives including a Quiz and Poster Competition and a Youth Data Fair to promote data literacy and innovation among young professionals.
Delegations from international organisations such as UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, FAO, and UNFPA, as well as representatives from Azerbaijan’s NSO, SESRIC, and WorldPop UK, also attended, reaffirming global support for Pakistan’s data-driven development agenda.
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