Availability of authentic data, its appropriate use, essential for national development: Ahsan Iqbal

Islamabad :  In a bold vision for Pakistan’s future, Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof Dr Ahsan Iqbal, declared that the country has the potential to emerge among the top 10-15 largest economies globally by 2047. Addressing the inaugural “Data for Development” (D4D) high-level policy dialogue, Prof Iqbal emphasized the need for a decade of stability to achieve a $1 trillion economy target by 2035.

He underscored the critical role of data in driving development, citing it as a “weapon for strengthening the economy” amidst emerging technologies. The Minister called for a platform to serve as a resource center for government policy decisions, leveraging data to inform evidence-based planning.

The D4D initiative, jointly organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), brought together esteemed experts and officials to discuss the pivotal role of data in achieving sustainable development goals. Speakers highlighted the importance of collaborations, data-driven decision making, and addressing climate change vulnerabilities.

With a focus on inclusive development, the forum emphasized the need for credible data, digital dashboards, and grassroots-level initiatives. As Pakistan strives for economic ascendancy, the D4D initiative sets the stage for a data revolution, poised to transform the country’s development landscape.