ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday emphasised the need for evidence-based decision-making to guide education policy in Pakistan. He said the effective use of data and research was essential to align the education system with national development goals.
The minister was speaking at the Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) International Education Summit held at Allama Iqbal Open University. He said evidence-driven policy could help ensure that education reforms respond to the real needs of children and youth across the country.
“The use of data and research in education policy making is crucial for Pakistan to achieve its development goals,” Ahsan Iqbal said. He added that prioritising evidence-based approaches would strengthen planning, improve outcomes, and enhance accountability within the education sector.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott highlighted the challenges facing children in the country. She said Pakistan’s children were at risk of achieving only 41 per cent of their full potential, stressing that effective teaching, strong schooling systems, and evidence-based decisions were key to improving learning outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups.
The summit brought together researchers, policymakers, and education practitioners to discuss ways to advance evidence-based reforms. Participants shared research findings and policy experiences aimed at improving access, quality, and equity in education.
Abdur Rauf Khan, Country Director of Oxford Policy Management Pakistan, described DARE-RC as a unique initiative that connects researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. He said the consortium provided an important platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration to improve education outcomes nationwide.
DARE-RC Team Lead Dr Ehtisham Anwar said the summit enabled constructive dialogue on critical education challenges in Pakistan. He noted that the consortium remained committed to working closely with the government and development partners to ensure that data and research inform both policy and practice.
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Speakers concluded that sustained collaboration and the integration of research into decision-making were essential for meaningful and long-term improvements in Pakistan’s education system.