Pakistan Launches National Open Data Portal to Promote Transparency and Evidence-Based Policy

In a significant milestone for data accessibility and public sector innovation in Pakistan, Open Data Pakistan, a national open data portal, was officially launched under the leadership of Dr. Suleman Shahid, Assistant Professor, LUMS, and Director, LUMSx. Developed through months of collaborative effort and iterative design, the platform is aligned with global open data standards and takes inspiration from leading initiatives such as Data.gov. The portal was made possible through public funding and reflects a growing commitment to transparency, open access, and evidence-based decision-making.

Open Data Pakistan highlights the role of open data as a critical enabler of transparency, innovation, and inclusive development. More than just a technical resource, the platform provides open access to over 1,100 datasets across 14 key sectors, including health, economy, education, environment, and more. It is designed to serve researchers, policymakers, journalists, and the general public by offering credible, well-structured information to support evidence-based policymaking, academic research, and public accountability.

Built through the combined efforts of the National Center for Big Data and Cloud Computing (NCBC) at LUMS and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the portal marks not just the launch of a digital infrastructure, but the beginning of a broader cultural shift toward openness, accessibility, and data-driven governance in Pakistan.

This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of several key partners. A huge appreciation goes to the outstanding Computer Science and Economics teams at LUMS, particularly Dr. Naveed Arshad, and the National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing (NCBC) for their technical leadership. Special thanks also go to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for their collaborative support in bringing this initiative to life.

Together, Open Data Pakistan marks the beginning of a broader shift toward openness, collaboration, and informed governance. Let us build a more transparent, data-driven Pakistan together.