Karachi, November 27, 2023 – The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organized a workshop on Monday, fostering a dialogue between data users and producers.
The event, held in Karachi, aimed to address the expanding and diverse user base, enhancing support for informed policy and decision-making.
Dr. Naeem Uz Zafar, Chief Statistician of PBS, expressed the bureau’s commitment to formulate a comprehensive Data Dissemination Policy. This policy, aligned with the General Statistics Reorganization Act, 2011, is geared towards improving data accessibility across the nation.
Highlighting the nationwide collaboration with UNFPA, Dr. Naeem Uz Zafar emphasized on the joint effort to bridge the gap between data users and producers. These workshops, he stated, serve as a platform to identify emerging needs and requirements of data users, contributing to a clearer vision for enhanced data accessibility in Pakistan.
Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, PBS Member of Support Services, delved into the framework of the Data Dissemination Policy during the workshop. He detailed digitalization models applicable to population censuses and various surveys, underlining the importance of effective dissemination and coordination between data producers and users.
Gondal stressed that data should not only be accessible but also interpretable and usable. His presentation included standardized data formats, protocols, and metadata, emphasizing the significance of synergy between data producers and users. This collaboration, he noted, is crucial for positive outcomes in policy and decision-making processes.
The workshop concluded with engaging group discussions, developing understanding and collaboration between PBS and UNFPA. The focus remains on improving the quality, accessibility, and utilization of census data in Pakistan.
