Maryam delivers thought-provoking address at big data industry expo

LAHORE, Aug 28 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of Punjab’s first dedicated data centre, the “Punjab Data Lake”, and invited Chinese technology companies, investors and infrastructure leaders to invest in Punjab.

Addressing the Big Data Industry Expo 2026 during her visit to China, the chief minister said a state-level common data engine, known as OneMap, was at the centre of the system.

Through OneMap, more than 12 terabytes of geospatial data obtained from 31 departments and over 6,000 datasets were being integrated into a unified system.

“OneMap can help in planning, resolving land-related disputes and promoting more informed urban development,” she said.

Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government was also linking OneMap with the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry.

“Through this integrated system, the government will be able to better understand the needs of its citizens, target resources more effectively and ensure that the right services reach the right people,” she said.

She said the government was also developing the Punjab Data Lake alongside other systems. “Punjab’s first dedicated data centre is further strengthening our sovereign capabilities,” she added.

The chief minister said Pakistan-China friendship was not merely a relationship between two countries or governments.

“Pakistan-China friendship is a strong bond built on trust, mutual respect and a shared belief among the people of both countries. When we build the future together, our achievements and strength grow further,” she said.

“From the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping to the longstanding and historic services of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the continued commitment of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan-China friendship continues to move forward,” she added.

“I am proud to carry forward the great legacy of Pakistan-China friendship and take it into a new arena of data, technology and shared innovation,” Maryam said.

She said the world had not yet fully recognised the true importance of data when Guizhou had already understood its significance.

“Data is not merely a technical by-product of administrative affairs; it is fundamental and critical infrastructure,” she said.

The chief minister said Punjab was Pakistan’s most AI-enabled province and was fully prepared to become part of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

“We want to create a digital governance system in which trusted data is connected with identity, public services, infrastructure, energy, financial systems and economic opportunities,” she said.

“Governing Punjab, with a population of 128 million, has taught us a fundamental principle of data: data should not merely be collected; it must be transformed into action,” she said.

She said the government was building a sovereign, secure and intelligent digital foundation to achieve this objective.

“We want to be able to secure data, store it, process it and unlock its real value,” she said, adding that the government was also developing a sovereign cloud, digital identity, interoperable government systems and an AI-powered implementation system.

Maryam Nawaz said Punjab was the first province to establish its own dedicated AI Office to bring artificial intelligence to the centre of governance.

“The objective of the AI Office is to enable better decision-making, deliver public services faster, create greater transparency and make government more effective and accountable to the people,” she said.

Referring to the Punjab Safe City project, she said it demonstrated how technology could be translated into tangible public benefit.

“Through integrated systems and AI-based analytics, we are making our cities safer, improving emergency response and making policing more proactive, preventive and effective,” she said.

“If data can help a businessperson demonstrate financial credibility without conventional collateral, that is real transformation,” the chief minister said.

“If data can help the government accurately identify vulnerable and deserving families and provide them assistance more effectively, that is real public value,” she added.

“If data can provide farmers with timely information and targeted support, that is real progress,” she said.

She said data could help tailor education to the needs of every student, strengthen healthcare systems and enable environmental agencies to make evidence-based decisions instead of relying on estimates.

“Behind every algorithm, every entry in a database and every token, there are not merely cold and lifeless numbers,” Maryam said.

“Our next step is not simply to collect more and more data, but to determine how data can be put into practical use,” she added. The chief minister said Guizhou had chosen this path and Punjab also had to move in the same direction.

“Pakistan and China are deepening their all-weather friendship. Alongside physical and terrestrial connectivity, Pakistan and China should build a new corridor of data, innovation and shared ideas,” she said.

She said there were immense opportunities for Chinese companies in Punjab.

“I invite Chinese technology companies, investors and infrastructure leaders to partner with Punjab and invest in the infrastructure of energy, computing, cloud, connectivity and tokenisation that will power Pakistan’s digital future,” Maryam said.

“Punjab does not want to remain merely a consumer of technology; it wants to become an equal partner in technology creation and innovation,” she added.

The chief minister said the digital economy should become a force for innovation, growth and shared prosperity, in line with the vision presented by President Xi Jinping.

“We aspire for Pakistan and China to jointly transform this vision into a new chapter of cooperation,” she said.

Maryam said attending the event in Guiyang, China’s “Big Data Capital”, was a great honour and pleasure for her.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the People’s Government of Guizhou Province and the organisers of the China International Big Data Expo 2026 for hosting this historic and global gathering,” she said.

She said the theme of big data pointed towards a future where data would not merely be stored but would be made trustworthy, verifiable and exchangeable.

“Data will be transformed into economic and public value,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the warm and excellent hospitality extended to her delegation.