ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with key government institutions to strengthen inter-agency collaboration on data sharing to promote evidence-based policymaking and support sustainable national development through improved access to reliable statistics.

The MoUs were signed on the sidelines of DataFest 2025, hosted by the PBS under the theme “Unlocking Tomorrow with AI”, held on Tuesday. The landmark event featured a dynamic lineup of activities, including more than 60 interactive stalls and 30 thematic workshops, offering a vibrant platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation.

The event brought together experts, innovators, policy makers and youth leaders to spotlight the transformative power of data in shaping national development.

The PBS entered into strategic partnerships with the Small and Medium Enterprises Deve­lopment Authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the National Price Monitoring Committee, and the Planning & Development Depa­rtment, Government of Balo­chistan. These MoUs aim to enhance collaboration in data sharing, policy research and innovation, supporting evidence-based decision-making and fostering a stronger, more connected data ecosystem for sustainable national development.

Joins hands with key agencies to boost ‘smart planning’ for sustainable growth

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the transformative role of data in national development in informed decision-making, as he termed data a tool for development. Emp­hasising that without data, interactive data tools and evidence-based Policy making, resources cannot be optimised effectively.

Mr Ahsan highlighted the importance of evidence-based planning and encouraged the youth to embrace data as the foundation for their future.

Secretary Planning and Development Awais Manzur Sumra acknowledged PBS’s role in completing national gigantic landmark initiatives, including Population & Housing Census 2023, Economic Census and Integrated Agricultural Census.

PBS Chief Statistician Dr Naeem-uz-Zafar emphasised data as a national asset for informed decision-making and sustainable development. He highlighted the need to foster a vibrant culture of data exchange to enhance collaboration and improve lives across sectors.

In this spirit, he announced a Quiz and Poster Competition to engage youth and professionals in creative data-driven initiatives, and informed the audience about the Youth Data Fair to nurture innovation and promote data-centric solutions for societal progress. PBS Member Sarwar Gondal highlighted that the youth of Pakistan are the future leaders and change-makers of the nation, and urged them to cultivate a culture of curiosity, critical analysis and evidence-based knowledge to contribute effectively to the progress of the nation.

The event brought together national and international stakeholders to advance Pakistan’s data-driven development agenda. Delegations from global statistical organisations and partners such as UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank, FAO, UNHCR, and UNDP added valuable regional perspectives and reinforced international collaboration.

Furthermore, Repres­entatives of NSO Azerbaijan, SESRIC and World Pop UK also attended the DataFest. Key public institutions, leading IT and telecom companies and top universities actively participated, highlighting the vital link between data, innovation, and policy.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2025