ISLAMABAD, Feb 17 (APP):The Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), in collaboration with Sightsavers, launched a critical research study report on Tuesday which provided a roadmap for shifting from mere data collection to using inclusive data for provincial education budgets, sector plans, and reporting for International frameworks like the SDGs and UNCRPD.
The report was launched under the titled “Disability Inclusive Data and Systems: Analysis of the integration of the Washington Group Questions on Disability into the Annual School Census in Pakistan.” The study was conducted under the Data and Research in education research consortium (DARE RC) funded by FCDO.
The report launching event was held at the PIE Main Auditorium, unveiled an in-depth analysis of how the Washington Group Questions on Disability have been integrated into Pakistan’s Annual School Census (ASC). The report highlights the progress and challenges of the Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) across various provinces.
This study is a pivotal step toward ensuring no child is left behind,” noted the organizers. “By integrating functional difficulty questions into our national census, we are moving toward a system that triggers tangible support, such as assistive devices and inclusive infrastructure, for the children identified”.
Dr Shahid Soroya, Director General PIE, and Ms. Munazza Gillani, Director Pakistan and Middle East at Sightsavers, shared leadership perspectives during the opening and closing sessions. Ms. Gillani emphasized that ownership of disability data is the first step toward institutionalizing inclusive education in Pakistan.
Dr Ehtasham Anwar, Team Lead DARE RC, underscored in his opening remarks that effective policy action is not possible without strong and reliable data systems. Dr Zaigham Qadeer, Director Research at PIE, presented a technical overview of the study methodology, stressing that robust data systems are essential to identify and support students with functional difficulties.
Mr. Itfaq Khaliq Khan, Global Technical Lead at Sightsavers, shared key findings on the current state of disability data in Pakistan.
Ms. Ujala Sarfar, Global Advocacy Officer for South Asia at Sightsavers, outlined the policy implications and recommendations, highlighting the importance of strong data systems in guiding provincial education budgets and sector plans.
A high-level panel discussion moderated by Dr Sulaman Ijaz from Sightsavers brought together federal and provincial EMIS experts, including Mr. Abdul Khaliq (Balochistan), Mr. Aftab Alam (Sindh), Mr. Salahuddin (KPK), and Mr. Bilal Kakli (PIE). The discussion focused on improving disability data quality in the Annual School Census and ensuring its effective use in provincial planning to meet Pakistan’s commitments under SDG 4.