Amir Saeed

A unified approach to data protection and governance is essential for Pakistan to secure its digital infrastructure and promote safe, equitable access to information, according to experts.

Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), a think-tank, while addressing a session on ‘Public-Private Dialogue on Data Governance in Pakistan’ described data as “the new synonym for wealth and power,” cautioning that its misuse could inflict serious harm on society.

He stressed that in Pakistan’s pursuit of digitalisation, essential aspects of data protection are being neglected, referencing recent financial data breaches as stark warnings. He highlighted that Pakistan has both the potential and the legislative framework necessary to become a leader in digital governance, but swift action is required.

“Harmonising laws, safeguarding citizens’ data, and ensuring fair access to information are critical steps,” he said. Suleri also reaffirmed SDPI’s dedication to promoting dialogue and policy reform, aiming to build a secure and inclusive digital future for Pakistan through continued engagement and advocacy.

On the occasion, Ikramul Haq Qureshi, representing the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, emphasised that data has become the new currency in today’s digital landscape. He highlighted that under the leadership of federal minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the ministry has finalised a draft data protection law, which is now ready to proceed through the legislative process.

“This legislation, known as the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, aims to establish a national data governance authority that will oversee secure data sharing among the government, businesses, and citizens. The goal is to create a trusted framework for data exchange that supports digital growth while protecting privacy,” he underscored.

Speaking at the dialogue, Aslam Hayat, senior policy fellow at LIRNEasia, a research institute, highlighted significant weaknesses in Pakistan’s data governance framework. He added that despite being an early adopter of data collection since the 1970s, Pakistan still lacks a unified policy for data standardisation and does not have a national platform for data sharing. This fragmentation limits coordination among institutions and hampers efficient data utilisation.

“Furthermore, Pakistan’s existing databases remain underused, and there is no comprehensive data protection regime to safeguard sensitive information. These gaps expose the country to risks such as data breaches and misuse, undermining trust in digital systems,” Hayat pointed out.

“The absence of cohesive policies and infrastructure underscores the urgent need for reforms to ensure data is managed securely and efficiently across sectors, enabling the country to fully benefit from its digital potential,” he stressed.

Credit: INP-WealthPk