Islamabad, Feb 23: In a move to enhance data-driven learning and informed decision-making among the youth, Pakistan is set to establish its first-ever Data Park. The initiative was discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Planning.
Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, with key officials from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), including Chief Statistician Dr. Naeem Uz Zafar and Member Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, extending their support.
The proposed Data Park aims to serve as a hub for students, researchers, and policymakers by providing real-time socio-economic data in an interactive digital environment. Equipped with advanced features such as interactive screens, storytelling galleries, and digital dashboards.
The facility will enable users to analyze economic and social trends, fostering a culture of data literacy and evidence-based research. The minister underscored the importance of data-driven policymaking, emphasizing that universities should play an active role in research and analysis to support national development goals.
Taking inspiration from global models, including the World Bank’s digital learning initiatives, the government plans to establish the Data Park in public and recreational spaces to maximize accessibility. The initiative is expected to bridge the gap between data collection and its practical application.
Ensuring that young professionals are equipped with critical thinking and analytical skills. The minister directed PBS to develop a comprehensive framework to facilitate a seamless and engaging user experience, making socio-economic insights more comprehensible and actionable.
PBS officials assured their full cooperation in implementing the project, recognizing the potential impact of the Data Park on education, policymaking, and innovation. With a formal execution plan underway, the government is reinforcing its commitment to digital education and knowledge-based governance.
By making data more accessible and interactive, the initiative aims to empower the next generation with the tools needed to drive informed decision-making, policy research, and sustainable development.