SALU Hosts Sensitization Seminar for National Data Fest 2025, Emphasizes Data-Driven Future for Pakistan.

SALU Hosts Sensitization Seminar for National Data Fest 2025, Emphasizes Data-Driven Future for Pakistan.
Press Release
17-10-2025
In a significant move to foster a culture of data-centric development, Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, hosted a pivotal sensitization seminar today to introduce and prepare stakeholders for the upcoming National Data Fest 2025.
The event, chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, brought together faculty, researchers, and officials from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) to illuminate the critical role of data in shaping Pakistan's future.
In his keynote address, VC Dr. Yousuf Khushk underscored the indispensable nature of data in the modern world. "Today’s seminar highlights the most important need of the modern era - data, research, and evidence-based decision-making," he stated. He emphasized that every sector, from policy-making and economy to education and health, is now reliant on accurate data.
Explaining why data is crucial for Pakistan, Dr. Khushk said, "No policy can be sustainable without accurate information." He outlined three essential pillars for success in data and research: Accuracy, Collaboration, and Application. He commended the PBS for engaging young researchers and students and reaffirmed SALU's commitment to placing research and data at the center of social development.
The program commenced with an introduction by Mr. Munwar Ali Ganghro, Provincial Head of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. He assured attendees, "We will provide all kinds of data, even for small cities," while also highlighting the need for more resources for data collection surveys.
A detailed presentation was then delivered by Mr. Ali Dino Mahar, Chief Statistical Officer of the PBS, Hyderabad region. He reiterated the bureau's commitment to providing accurate and reliable data for informed decision-making, noting that critical metrics like the nation's GDP are calculated by the PBS.
"The Data Fest 2025 will include panel discussions, keynote speeches, and other engaging activities," Mr. Mahar announced. He revealed plans for an inter-university quiz, poster competition, and project exhibitions, with prizes to be awarded to winners. Significantly, he announced that the PBS is "planning to sign an MoU with SALU Khairpur this year" to formalize collaboration.
Echoing the sentiments, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Naveed Ahmed Shaikh, suggested a focused approach on generating and utilizing data specific to Khairpur and other rural and urban centers of the region.
The seminar concluded with a strong consensus on the power of collaboration. Officials, including Statistical Officer Sukkur Mr. Waseem Haider, extended a formal invitation to the university community to actively participate in the Data Fest, emphasizing that "no department can work without data."
The seminar was warmly welcomed by the Chairman of the Statistics Department, Professor Dr. Baqir Shah, who greeted all the distinguished guests and participants, setting a collaborative tone for the proceedings.
The event was attended by key university figures including Chairman of Mathematics Professor Dr. Hisam-Uddin Shaikh, Dr. Ahmed Memon, Mujtaba Jatoi, Waseem Kalhoro, Aijaz Mahar, Imtiaz Memon and others.
Dr Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur