{
  "id": 17155485,
  "title": "Getting the data right",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/getting-the-data-right",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-30T00:43:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40446583/getting-the-data-right"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into economic planning, administration, and service delivery has highlighted an enduring issue: the effectiveness of technology is contingent upon the data it relies upon. For Pakistan, where statistical information is dispersed across governmental agencies and often collected without uniform standards, addressing data integrity becomes a national imperative. This urgency was underscored at the recent 'AI Tech Expo' in Islamabad, where discussions emphasized the necessity to align Pakistan's statistical systems with internationally recognized frameworks, such as those utilized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.\n\nA pivotal recommendation from the event was the adoption of the Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange standard, which facilitates consistent sharing and comparison of statistical information. This alignment would enhance the accessibility and utility of national datasets for both Pakistani policymakers and international economic analysts. Crucially, it would also rectify the incompatibility among datasets generated by various public institutions, a fundamental flaw within Pakistan's statistical framework. These institutions, including the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), provincial statistical bodies, ministries, and other public agencies, gather data for diverse purposes using different methodologies, definitions, and reporting practices. Insufficient resources, limited technical expertise, and weak coordination further exacerbate inconsistencies, leading to distorted economic indicators such as per capita income and sectoral output. These discrepancies undermine economic assessments, resource allocation, and evaluations of public spending. Without comparable and verifiable figures, policymakers risk formulating decisions based on an inaccurate comprehension of the country's economic conditions.\n\nThe ramifications extend beyond economic metrics to the equitable distribution of public services and resources. As noted by Pakistan's former chief statistician at the 'AI Tech Expo,' the digital population census has geocoded over 40 million structures, providing a foundation for policymakers to develop precise insights into where public services are most needed. By integrating this data with administrative records, economic surveys, and geographical datasets, policymakers can better pinpoint areas requiring new schools, healthcare facilities, infrastructure, and investment. Nonetheless, the efficacy of these applications hinges on the accuracy of the underlying data and the collaborative efforts among institutions to ensure their records are both accessible and compatible.\n\nThe significance of these issues is amplified as AI becomes increasingly embedded in decision-making processes. Algorithms trained on incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent data can perpetuate errors and produce misleading outcomes, creating the illusion of scientific precision. AI cannot mitigate the shortcomings of flawed statistical foundations; rather, it necessitates heightened vigilance in verifying and standardizing data. Furthermore, poor data integrity diminishes the practical value of Pakistan's technological advancements, compelling businesses to depend on foreign datasets that may not accurately reflect local conditions. Therefore, making reliable domestic data accessible is paramount. To overcome these challenges, first and foremost, there is a need for harmonizing statistical standards across federal and provincial institutions, complemented by transparent quality control measures, regular audits, and safeguards against selective reporting. Additionally, there is a pressing requirement for a larger pool of trained statisticians, data scientists, and analysts within government departments, equipped to safeguard data integrity and translate it into actionable policy insights. Universities, public agencies, and industry stakeholders must collaborate to develop these competencies.\n\nUltimately, Pakistan's technological aspirations must be anchored in a robust statistical foundation. Reliable, credible, and accessible data would bolster economic planning, enhance public services, and render emerging technologies more beneficial to the nation.",
  "summary": "EDITORIAL: The growing use of artificial intelligence in economic planning, public administration, and service delivery has brought an old problem into sharper focus: technology can be only as effective as the data it relies on. For Pakistan, where statistical information remains fragmented across government institutions and is not always collected according to consistent standards, the challenge…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}