CM Maryam Unveils Punjab Data Lake in China

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif unveiled Pakistan's first dedicated data centre, the Punjab Data Lake, during a visit to China. The system, centered around the OneMap state-level common data engine, integrates over 12 terabytes of geospatial data from 31 departments and 6,000 datasets. This initiative aims to enhance planning, resolve land disputes, and promote informed urban development.

Maryam also announced the province's development of a sovereign cloud, digital identity, interoperable government systems, and an AI-powered implementation system. The Punjab Data Lake, alongside other digital systems, strengthens Punjab's sovereign capabilities. The chief minister emphasized that data is a vital form of infrastructure, not just a technical by-product.

Punjab is Pakistan's most AI-enabled province and is ready to leverage AI for transformative potential in artificial intelligence. The government aims to build a digital governance system where data, connected with identity, public services, infrastructure, energy, financial systems, and economic opportunity, drives action.

Maryam highlighted Punjab's establishment of its own dedicated AI Office to improve decision-making, public services, transparency, and accountability. The Punjab Safe City project exemplifies how technology can deliver real public benefits, such as safer cities, improved emergency response, and proactive policing.

The chief minister also mentioned that data could help businesses demonstrate financial credibility, identify vulnerable families, support farmers with timely information, tailor education, strengthen healthcare, and enable environmental agencies to make evidence-based decisions. Punjab's next goal is to move beyond data collection and find practical ways to use it.

Maryam emphasized that Pakistan and China are deepening their all-weather friendship and should build a new corridor of data, innovation, and shared ideas. She invited Chinese companies to partner with Punjab in energy, computing, cloud, connectivity, and tokenisation infrastructure to support Pakistan's digital future.