Islamabad, November 4, 2025(Kamran Raja): The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) organized a comprehensive media briefing today to outline strategic communication goals and media engagement plans for the upcoming DataFest 2025 a national event themed “Empowering Decisions with Data” and “Unlocking Tomorrow with AI.”
The session underscored the vital role of data in addressing Pakistan’s key challenges in governance, development, and public service delivery, while promoting a culture of data literacy, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking.
Chief Statistician Dr. Naeem uz Zafar (SI) opened the session, highlighting the media’s pivotal role as a bridge between data producers and users. He emphasized that DataFest 2025 is not merely a celebration of statistics, but a national movement to empower citizens, policymakers, and institutions through accessible and actionable data.
Muhammad Sarwar Gondal (SI), Member (SS/RM), shared the strategic vision of DataFest 2025, linking it to URAAN Pakistan’s 5Es framework Environment, Economy, Equity, E-Pakistan, and Energy. He noted Pakistan’s growing capabilities in data science and artificial intelligence, particularly in predictive analytics and digital governance. Gondal emphasized PBS’s commitment to leveraging its extensive datasets including the Population and Housing Census 2023, Agriculture Census, and Economic Census to drive inclusive, evidence-based decision-making.
He announced that DataFest 2025 will serve as a comprehensive platform for national and international collaboration, integrating Big Data and AI-driven solutions, and fostering stronger partnerships among government, academia, and industry. Gondal also highlighted the recent PBS Flood Survey, designed to assess damages and guide targeted relief efforts.
To enhance collaboration with the media, PBS announced a series of dedicated initiatives during DataFest 2025. A Media Corner will be established to facilitate live coverage, interviews, and real-time updates, while journalists will have exclusive access to keynote speakers and experts. Media-friendly seminars will explore case studies, public engagement strategies, and the impact of digital transformation.
PBS also revealed that several new data platforms and analytical tools will be launched during the event to improve data accessibility for policymakers and the public. DataFest 2025 will feature high-level keynotes, expert panels, interactive workshops, university competitions, and project exhibitions, ensuring wide-ranging participation across sectors.
As part of pre-event activities, PBS organized an Awareness Walk with media representatives and officials to promote data literacy and citizen engagement. Participants carried banners highlighting the role of data in everyday decision-making, symbolizing a shared commitment to building a more informed and inclusive society.
The briefing concluded with an interactive Q&A session, fostering open dialogue between PBS leadership and media professionals. PBS reaffirmed that the success of DataFest 2025 will depend on the media’s active role in amplifying the message of data-driven development and innovation.