Data-driven technological advancement has been underscored as essential for Pakistan’s progress in the digital age, a key theme at the inaugural ceremony of DataFest 2025 organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The event marked an important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and promoting evidence-based policy planning. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, while addressing the ceremony, emphasized that the government is pursuing multiple initiatives to integrate data and technology into governance, economic management, and national development programs, laying the foundation for a digitally empowered Pakistan.
Highlighting the significance of information and analytics in today’s interconnected world, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan is on a transformative path aimed at aligning with global technological advancements. He noted that countries embracing data-driven development are achieving sustained progress, while those lagging in innovation risk economic stagnation. He reaffirmed the government’s vision to transform Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy supported by artificial intelligence, data analytics, and modern digital infrastructure. Such integration, he said, will not only improve decision-making within government institutions but also enhance transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
The minister further emphasized that Pakistan’s success in digital transformation depends significantly on the empowerment of youth. He urged educational institutions, policymakers, and the private sector to prioritize skill development in areas like data science, software engineering, and information technology. According to him, a digitally skilled workforce is crucial to harnessing the potential of emerging technologies and ensuring Pakistan’s competitiveness on the global stage. Encouraging youth participation in innovation and digital entrepreneurship, he noted, would accelerate national growth and attract new investment opportunities in the tech ecosystem.
DataFest 2025 has drawn participation from various government departments, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations. The event features data-centric innovations, digital solutions, and interactive exhibits that showcase the expanding role of technology in governance, research, and social development. Attendees have shown strong engagement with the festival’s showcases, reflecting growing public awareness about the role of data in shaping national policies and improving economic performance. The presence of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students highlights a rising enthusiasm for digital technologies and their potential to support inclusive development in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has positioned DataFest 2025 as a collaborative platform to promote data literacy, foster partnerships, and encourage open data initiatives that can drive meaningful policy outcomes. The government’s continued emphasis on data integration across ministries and departments signals a clear direction toward evidence-based governance. With such initiatives gaining traction, Pakistan’s focus on digital inclusion and data utilization continues to strengthen, paving the way for a more informed, transparent, and efficient governance model in the years ahead.
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