The Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) and the Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) brought together policymakers, researchers, and development partners in Islamabad to build consensus on a national education data sharing framework. The dialogue focused on how data can be used responsibly to inform policy decisions and strengthen learning opportunities for all children in Pakistan. DARE-RC is led by Oxford Policy Management in partnership with Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development and Sightsavers, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Participants from government, academia, and development agencies stressed the need for strong, transparent, and ethical data systems. Discussions centred on the structure and purpose of the proposed framework, ethical responsibilities when handling data, and the importance of clear access protocols and accountability mechanisms.
Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Mr Nadeem Mahbub, underlined the importance of improved data systems. He noted PIE’s progress across the national education data landscape and highlighted the need to balance system-wide data sharing with safeguards against misuse. He appreciated the collective effort made during the dialogue to shape a way forward.
Mr Salim Salamah, Deputy Group Head for Health, Education, and Demography at the British High Commission, said Pakistan has a strong base of education data but must make better use of it. He explained that FCDO’s vision for DARE-RC is to promote the use of evidence to support a system that serves all children. He acknowledged PIE’s growth and ongoing collaboration with key partners to build transparent and ethical data systems.
PIE Director General Dr Shahid Soroya emphasised that provincial data consolidation and evidence generation are central to PIE’s mandate. He said effective work depends on trust that data will be used fairly and productively. He thanked DARE-RC, FCDO, and all partners for supporting PIE in developing data sharing protocols.
DARE-RC Team Lead Dr Ehtasham Anwar noted that strong data systems are essential for meaningful policy action. He said the purpose of the dialogue was to build agreement on an ethical national data sharing framework that covers collection, sharing, use, and protection. He added that consistent and effective use of data, rather than one-off exercises, is needed to improve education outcomes.
The DARE-RC leadership team closed the session with key takeaways and next steps, reaffirming its commitment to working with PIE to strengthen tools and systems that support high-quality data use.
Secretary Nadeem Mahbub’s remarks: PIE has been doing a strong job across the education data system of Pakistan. A careful balance is needed between sharing data across the system and holding institutions accountable for any misrepresentation or misuse. I appreciate the efforts made today to define a clear path forward.
The panelists including Dr. Kanwal Ameen, Dr. Farah, Ms. Rabia Awan, Ms. Izza Farrukh, Mr. Abid Gill contributed to these rich discussions.