Quetta – August 15, 2025: A two-day workshop titled “Data Interpretation and Use” commenced at Serena Hotel in Quetta, aimed at enhancing data-based planning and informed policy-making in Balochistan.
The event is jointly hosted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The workshop brings together representatives from education, health, urban planning, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and research organizations, along with notable attendees including UNFPA Provincial Coordinator Ms. Sadia Atta, Urban Planning Secretary Mr. Umaid Ali Khokhar, Population Welfare Secretary Mr. Zafar Ali Buledi, and senior PBS officials.
Discussions are centered on leveraging PBS’s extensive databank, covering demographic, socio-economic, health, labour force, trade, and macroeconomic indicators.
Sessions also address topics such as education, health, living standards, water and sanitation (WASH), price indexes, and economic trends.
Speaking at the opening, PBS Member (Support Services) Mr. Muhammad Sarwar Gondal underscored the critical role of precise data in setting national priorities, sharing practical examples of how PBS datasets influence policy.
He encouraged stakeholders to participate in Data Fest 2025 scheduled for November in Islamabad.
PBS Deputy Director General Ms. Rabia Awan noted that the program would strengthen capacity for evidence-based governance, equitable resource distribution, and sustainable growth.
UNFPA’s Ms. Sadia Atta emphasized integrating gender-focused monitoring and unified dashboards to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Representing the provincial government, Mr. Umaid Ali Khokhar connected the initiative to the formulation of Balochistan’s Master Plan, while Mr. Zafar Ali Buledi commended PBS for promoting statistical literacy.
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The agenda includes expert presentations, live demonstrations of data dashboards, group activities, and an on-site data desk providing instant access to statistical resources—marking a significant step toward embedding a culture of evidence-based governance in Balochistan.
