Islamabad: Pakistan has marked a significant milestone with the establishment of the Power Sector Data Governance Council (PSDGC), its first data governance body in the public sector. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) under Federal Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, aims to enhance transparency, attract international investment, and secure the future of Pakistan’s power sector.

According to Press Information Department, the new council addresses long-standing issues of fragmented and inconsistent data within the power sector. Historically, various entities maintained separate systems without standardized definitions, leading to data silos and unreliable information for decision-making. The PSDGC introduces a comprehensive Data Governance Framework, aligned with national digital standards, to manage data effectively across its lifecycle.

The council’s creation involves the establishment of a Centralized Data Repository, which will consolidate sectoral data into a single authoritative platform. This repository aims to provide accurate information for planners, regulators, and investors, ensuring secure and controlled data access. The initiative is expected to improve demand forecasting, infrastructure investment, risk identification, and resource allocation, ultimately benefiting the energy services provided to Pakistani households and businesses.

For international investors, the PSDGC is expected to remove barriers to foreign investment by offering validated and audit-ready data. This development positions Pakistan as a transparent destination for long-term energy sector capital, with reduced due diligence risks and shorter investment cycles.

The PSDGC, as the first formal data governance body in Pakistan’s public sector, serves as a model for potential replication across other domains like water, health, transport, and finance. The government is committed to ensuring that this council becomes a cornerstone of transparent and effective governance.