- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP):Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) successfully concluded the two-day DataFest 2025 here the other day, a vibrant national event showcasing cutting-edge data innovations, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and youth-driven creativity aimed at advancing evidence-based policy-making and sustainable national growth.
Held under the theme “From Numbers to Lives – Unlocking Tomorrow with AI”, the festival brought together policymakers, data scientists, academia, development partners, and students from across the country.
The venue remained lively with exhibitions and live demonstrations featuring data-powered dashboards, interactive visualisation tools, and AI-driven applications from both public and private sectors.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the GIS Dashboard and Pakistan Spatial Insight Dashboard, inaugurated by Secretary, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Awais Manzur Sumra, marking a milestone in Pakistan’s
transition toward data-driven governance.
The Secretary visited thematic stalls, reviewed real-time performance-monitoring tools, and appreciated the integration of analytics that promote transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decisions.
During the festival, the PBS signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with a range of academic and institutional partners – including the AJK Planning & Development Department, Lahore Leads University, Air University, National University of Pakistan, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar, Al-Mustafa Trust Hospital, University of Loralai, Punjab College (Islamabad/Rawalpindi), and Radio Pakistan.
Member (SS/RM) Muhammad Sarwar Gondal signed the agreements on behalf of PBS. The partnerships aim to strengthen data collaboration, research, and innovation for informed policy design, fostering a resilient national data ecosystem aligned with Pakistan’s development vision.
The second day of DataFest 2025 featured dynamic panel discussions on key themes such as Data to Evidence for Job Creation, Disaster Risk Preparedness and Insurance Mechanisms, Integrating AI and Big Data for Pakistan’s Statistical Future, and Boosting Agriculture Productivity through Technology and Policy Innovation.
The sessions brought together a diverse mix of experts from academia, government, and development sectors, who shared actionable insights on using data to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
Interactive workshops during the event offered participants practical training in data visualization, machine learning, and policy analytics, equipping them with future-ready skills. Meanwhile, the Inter-University Quiz and Poster Competition infused youthful energy into the festival as student teams showcased creativity and passion for AI and data innovation.
Inaugurating the quiz finale, Member PBS Muhammad Sarwar Gondal (SI) urged students to ground their academic work in authentic data and cultivate analytical thinking. “The youth hold the key to Pakistan’s future transformation. A data-informed mindset will empower them to lead the nation’s journey toward innovation and progress,” he remarked. The National Defence University team emerged victorious after a close contest with Air University, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and knowledge.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Chief Statistician Dr Naeem uz Zafar lauded the PBS team’s efforts for organizing an inspiring and impactful event.
“This initiative reflects our collective resolve to modernize statistical systems and empower data-driven decision-making. Every participant here is a catalyst for change,” he said while distributing certificates and shields among participants.
In his closing remarks, Member (SS/RM) Muhammad Sarwar Gondal expressed appreciation for the PBS team’s dedication to promoting innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in national statistics. “Our vision is clear – to make PBS the cornerstone of evidence-based policymaking and digital transformation in Pakistan,” he noted, emphasizing continued engagement with emerging technologies and collaborative learning.
DataFest 2025 concluded on a high note, leaving a legacy of collaboration, creativity, and community spirit. The event reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence to build an informed, transparent, and technology-driven future for sustainable national development.