Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) is preparing to host a lecture by Dr. Naeem uz Zafar, the Chief Statistician of Pakistan, on January 29th, 2025, at 11:00 AM PKST at Jinnah Hall, IPRI. The lecture, titled “In God We Trust, All Others Bring Data,” will highlight the critical role of data in policymaking, attracting policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in evidence-based governance.
As part of IPRI’s Distinguished Lecture Series, Dr. Zafar will share his extensive expertise in data collection and statistical analysis, emphasizing the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in Pakistan’s governance. His lecture aims to demonstrate how reliable data can enhance public policy by improving governance, service delivery, and the implementation of evidence-based policies.
With Pakistan facing challenges in data availability and quality, Dr. Zafar will address these gaps and offer insights into how the country is working to enhance its statistical systems. He will discuss how better data collection, analysis, and utilization can lead to more effective policymaking, addressing a range of issues, including economic development, education, healthcare, and climate change.
This event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including government officials, scholars, students, and international organizations. By attending, participants will gain valuable perspectives on the role of data in governance, as well as how improved statistical systems can support evidence-based solutions to Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges.
IPRI’s Distinguished Lecture Series is an important platform for fostering dialogue and promoting sound policy frameworks. Through this event, IPRI continues its mission to contribute to Pakistan’s development by encouraging discussions on critical issues such as governance, public policy, and the role of data in shaping the future.
Dr. Zafar’s lecture will be an invaluable opportunity for attendees to engage with an expert in national statistical programs. His leadership in Pakistan’s statistical systems provides a unique perspective on how data-driven policies can address the country’s challenges and drive progress across sectors. This lecture is expected to be a key moment in the ongoing conversation about data utilization and governance in Pakistan’s future.