The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) is taking a proactive step in crafting a National Data Dissemination Policy to ensure that statistical information is accessible and beneficial to a diverse range of users. In collaboration with UNFPA, PBS is conducting dialogue workshops engaging both data producers and users to gather perspectives, identify needs, and bridge any existing gaps in the data dissemination process.
These workshops aim to foster collaboration between various stakeholders, including government bodies such as Provincial Bureaus of Statistics and Crop Reporting Services. By bringing together diverse perspectives, PBS intends to enhance the quality and accessibility of statistical information, ultimately facilitating evidence-based decision-making across different levels of governance.
The second workshop of this series was held today in Karachi, where Dr. Naeem uz Zafar, Chief Statistician, highlighted PBS’s proactive approach to address challenges faced by data users. The workshops seek to bridge the gap between data availability and user needs, fostering a more inclusive and informed data dissemination process.
Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, Member (SS/RM), presented the policy formulated by PBS, emphasizing the importance of developing strategies for web-based data dissemination in today’s digital landscape. The workshop also focused on addressing challenges in Census data accessibility, with an aim to improve the usefulness and accessibility of this vital information.
Behram Gul, representative of UNFPA Pakistan, emphasized the value of sharing anonymized micro-level data, making it a valuable resource for research and analysis. This approach enables policymakers to have a granular view of communities, facilitating more precisely targeted interventions and policies.
The workshop comprised five thematic areas, including emerging user needs and data requirements, challenges in data dissemination and accessibility, strategies for web-based data dissemination, partnerships for data dissemination, and mechanisms for systemic feedback on data dissemination in Pakistan. The participants deliberated and formulated recommendations in these areas.
The workshop proved successful in engaging participants, discussing pertinent issues, and collecting valuable feedback. This initiative will strengthen the statistical process, foster trust between data producers and users, and contribute to the reliability and accessibility of information. The development of a national data dissemination policy is a fundamental step toward evidence-based decision-making and effective policy planning for the nation’s prosperity.
