We are pleased to see the Government of Pakistan taking an important step toward strengthening data governance and public-sector transparency through the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the “Design, Development, Implementation and Support of the National Open Data Ecosystem (NODE).”
RFP for the “Design, Development, Implementation, and Support of the National Open Data Ecosystem (NODE) of Pakistan
Initiatives such as NODE have the potential to significantly improve interoperability across government institutions, enhance access to public data, and support more evidence-based policymaking and service delivery.
It is encouraging to see long-standing discussions around data governance now translating into concrete policy action. This is an area that LIRNEasia Senior Policy Fellow in Pakistan, Muhammad Aslam Hayat, has consistently advocated for through his work on data governance, interoperability, and open data frameworks in Pakistan.
In his recent article, This AI Moment Needs Data Governance, he emphasized the urgent need to invest in data quality, standardization, and interoperability across government systems. He noted that public-sector data in Pakistan often remains fragmented, inconsistent, and siloed, with different agencies relying on incompatible formats and identifiers, leading to inefficiencies and barriers to effective governance.
Similarly, in another article Power, Privacy and Governance, he underscored the importance of robust open data frameworks and stronger governance mechanisms to ensure that emerging data ecosystems remain transparent, inclusive, accountable, and rights-respecting.
These ideas have also been echoed in broader regional discussions under the “Harnessing Data for Democratic Development in South and Southeast Asia” (D4DAsia) project and Pakistan country report, as well as during the forum hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on “Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Data Governance in Pakistan” in which Aslam Hayat as well Pranesh Prakash (Research Fellow, LIRNEasia) were panelists.
Aslam Hayat at the forum hosted by the SDPI on “Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Data Governance in Pakistan
Furthermore, Aslam presented research findings from the D4DAsia project at the 26th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunications Regulators’ Council, organized by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity and hosted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Across these engagements, participants repeatedly highlighted the need for a more democratic, inclusive, and accountable approach to data governance.
Aslam Hayat presenting key findings from the D4DAsia project at the 26th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunications Regulators’ Council
We are encouraged to see these recommendations gaining traction and are proud to have contributed to the evolving national conversation on open data, interoperability, and digital governance in Pakistan. The establishment of a National Open Data Ecosystem has the potential to enable more efficient public services, strengthening transparency and accountability, and fostering innovation and research across sectors.
