HYDERABAD: National and international experts have emphasized that without understanding and effectively utilizing data, Pakistan risks falling behind in the global race. They warned that if the country does not align with global technological advancements today, future challenges will become increasingly complex.
These remarks were made during the two-day 3rd “Data-Driven Social Change” Conference and the first International Research Symposium 2026, hosted by the Information Technology Center, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, in collaboration with the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and held on Tuesday at the main auditorium. The conference focused on exploring innovative, technology-driven solutions to challenges in the agriculture, health, and education sectors.
During the inaugural session, Vice Chancellor of SAU, Engr Dr Altaf Ali Siyal, highlighted that in the past, decisions were often based on assumptions and experience, but today, evidence and data-driven analysis must form the foundation of policymaking. He emphasized that data is not merely numbers; it reflects people’s problems, needs, potentials, and represents human lives.
Dr Altaf Ali Siyal emphasized that data plays a critical role in identifying out-of-school children, regions lacking healthcare facilities, and communities most vulnerable to poverty or climatic risks. He highlighted that during the 2022 floods, data-driven planning enabled the efficient relocation of affected populations and the implementation of targeted relief measures. Moreover, he cited the establishment of the data Center as a landmark example of how technology empowered the Pakistan Army to out manoeuvre adversaries, underscoring the transformative power of data.
He stressed the urgent need for accurate, complete, and verified data in Pakistan, whose outcomes would have far-reaching benefits.
Dr Imamuddin Khoso, Vice Chancellor of University of Sufism and Modern Sciences, Bhitshah, said universities are not just centers for disseminating knowledge but also hubs for generating it. He emphasized that agriculture remains a key driver of economic and social development, and modernizing it is a fundamental responsibility of agricultural universities. He suggested the formation of expert committees to study current farming practices and assess the adoption level of technology.
Dr Julius Muchemi, Provincial Head of FAO, said that data is a powerful tool that strengthens science, research, and social development. He noted that critical data analytics is central to innovation and progress, playing a significant role in problem-solving, public welfare, and policymaking.
Malaysian expert and guest speaker, Prof Dr Noor Zaman Janjhi, cautioned that failure to adapt to contemporary technological advancements will make future challenges even more difficult. He emphasized the urgent need to modernize agriculture and move away from traditional methods, advocating for smart and robotic data-driven systems to address challenges in soil, crops, food, livestock, and the environment.
Dr Saqib Ali, Professor at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and Founder & CEO of Kisan360 App, explained that integrating satellite imagery with artificial intelligence allows accurate predictions regarding crop health, water requirements, and yield. He added that satellite images are crucial not only for agriculture but also for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management, with AI integration providing meaningful insights for farmers.
Experts from China, the UK, Malaysia, South Korea, University of Agriculture Rawalpindi, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Karachi, and Shaheed Benazirabad universities participated both physically and online, presenting their research findings. A total of 224 research papers were submitted, with many being selected for presentation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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