ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) successfully hosted DataFest 2025 at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, bringing together policymakers, innovators, youth leaders, and experts to showcase the transformative power of data in national development. The event featured global partners including UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank, FAO, UNHCR, and UNDP, who shared insights on economic growth, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and human development.
Under the theme “Unlocking Tomorrow with AI,” the festival highlighted the URAAN Pakistan Vision through the 5Es framework—Environment, Economy, Equity, E-Pakistan, and Energy. The event focused on climate resilience, inclusive education, digital transformation, and human development, promoting data-driven solutions for sustainable progress.
Secretary (PD&SI) Awais Manzur Sumra lauded PBS’s achievements, including the Population & Housing Census 2023, Economic Census, and Integrated Agricultural Census, while Dr. Naeem-uz-Zafar, Chief Statistician PBS, emphasized data as a national asset and announced youth-focused initiatives, including a Quiz, Poster Competition, and a Youth Data Fair.
Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal (NI) highlighted the critical role of data in evidence-based policymaking and resource optimization, encouraging youth to embrace data-driven approaches for the nation’s future.
The festival featured over 60 interactive stalls and 30 workshops, offering a vibrant platform for innovation and collaboration. Panel discussions addressed themes such as equitable development, quality education, and inclusive growth, with participation from government, academia, private sector, and development partners.
PBS also signed MoUs with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), and the Planning & Development Department, Government of Balochistan, to enhance collaboration in data sharing, policy research, and innovation.
International delegations from Azerbaijan, SESRIC, and WorldPop UK joined the event, alongside key public institutions, universities, and technology companies, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to a resilient, future-ready, data-driven ecosystem.
DataFest 2025 positioned itself as more than a conference—it emerged as a national movement promoting innovation, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive development for a smarter Pakistan.
