Islamabad: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the critical role of data-driven technological development in advancing the country’s progress in today’s digital era. He shared these insights while addressing the inaugural ceremony of “DataFest 2025,” organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted several government initiatives aimed at integrating data and digital tools into governance, economic planning, and national development projects. He stated that Pakistan is on a transformative journey to align itself with the global community in technology, innovation, and data-driven development.
Iqbal emphasized that in a world that is becoming increasingly competitive and technologically advanced, nations that harness data and innovation will lead in global development. Conversely, those who neglect these advancements risk falling behind. The minister outlined the government’s vision of transforming Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy, with data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure serving as the foundation for future growth.
He also stressed the importance of engaging the youth in this transformative process, labeling them as the driving force behind Pakistan’s technological evolution. By equipping young people with modern digital skills and opportunities in fields such as data science, information technology, and innovation, Pakistan aims to achieve sustainable progress and enhance global competitiveness.
The ongoing ‘DataFest 2025’ in Islamabad features numerous stalls set up by government departments, private sector companies, and international organizations. These stalls provide information and showcase various innovations and applications related to their respective organizations. Radio Pakistan has also established a stall, where representatives are informing visitors about the digitization of the organization’s archives and its active presence on social media platforms. The festival has attracted large numbers of visitors who are showing great interest in the exhibits.