Data-driven governance key to effective policy-making: PBS CSO

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Mar, 2026) Chief Statistical Officer of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) Muhammad Sarfaraz has highlighted the importance of compiling accurate data, saying that data-driven governance was vital for effective policy-making.

He stressed that timely and reliable statistics were indispensable for sustainable development.

“The 21st century is the century of data", he said adding "sound policy planning cannot be achieved without credible statistical evidence. Without a data lens, we cannot fully understand socio-economic realities. Effective governance today depends on evidence-based decision-making,” he said in an interview with APP.

Sarfaraz said that PBS, as the national statistical organization, was playing a central role in providing accurate data to support policymaking across key sectors, including agriculture, labour and the social sector.

He described Pakistan’s first-ever fully digital 7th Population and Housing Census as a landmark exercise and one of the largest digital census operations in the region.

“It was the need of the hour. The digital census has strengthened our statistical base and improved the reliability and timeliness of data,” he said.

Referring to the 7th Agricultural Census, he said it was conducted after a long gap and would help provide comprehensive district-level data on crop patterns, cultivation trends and livestock dynamics.

“Pakistan’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. This census will help policymakers identify which crops are grown in which districts and how livestock trends are evolving,” he said.

He added that the data would enable the government to design targeted subsidy schemes and allocate resources more efficiently.

“Data allows analysis at district, micro and regional levels, helping policymakers determine where interventions are required to enhance productivity,” he remarked.

Highlighting changing consumption patterns, Sarfaraz said agricultural dynamics were evolving due to shifting food preferences, particularly among younger generations.

“When we talk about Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, their food culture differs significantly from previous generations. As dietary patterns change, demand for raw materials and crop categories will shift as well. These long-term trends can only be assessed through consistent and reliable data,” he observed.

On the labour market, he said the recently launched Labour Force Survey and Household Integrated Economic Survey were providing insights into participation rates, gender-wise employment trends and household economic conditions.

“We have a skilled labour force, and engaging it productively is the government’s responsibility,” he said adding that managing surplus labour, especially for overseas employment, requires aligning skills with global demand through data-driven planning.

“Sustainable development and effective governance are only possible when robust and timely data back policies,” he remarked.

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