PBS to Unveil New National Labour Survey at Islamabad Data Fest

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) will hold a two-day Data Fest in Islamabad on November 11 and 12. The event will bring together national and international experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote the effective use of digital census and economic data for decision-making. Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, Member of the Statistics Division, said that during Data Fest 2025, the government will release the results of the new National Labour Survey, which will provide the latest details on employment and unemployment across Pakistan. According to the Bureau, the event will take place at the Pak-China Friendship Centre and will include workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions, youth competitions, and cultural activities. The focus will be on data exchange, artificial intelligence, innovation, skills development, and improving data literacy across sectors. “We spend billions of rupees and engage thousands of professionals to collect data. Unless this information is actually used in policy formulation and planning, it serves no real purpose.” stated Chief Statistician Dr. Naeem-uz-Zafar. He emphasized that the PBS works extensively on census and surveys, but the true value lies in how government agencies use the data to guide effective public policy and development programs. He added that the results of the Household Integrated Survey are scheduled to be released in December. Experts from partner organizations, including academia, development institutions, and the private sector, will participate. In addition to its technical sessions, Data Fest 2025 will also feature networking opportunities, a music and arts gala, and interactive youth engagement activities designed to make data more accessible and meaningful to the public. This initiative reflects the government’s growing focus on evidence-based policymaking following the 2023 Digital Population and Economic Census, Pakistan’s first fully digital census, which has been widely recognized as a major milestone in modern data governance.