Pakistan is preparing to introduce a major shift in the way government data is managed, with the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) expected to become the country’s leading institution for data governance under the proposed National Data Governance Policy 2026.
If approved by the federal cabinet, the new policy will give the authority responsibility for setting national data standards, monitoring implementation, and ensuring that federal government organizations follow a unified framework for handling public-sector data.
According to the proposed policy, every federal ministry, division, and public institution will be required to align its data management practices with standards issued by the Pakistan Digital Authority. The authority will also have the power to issue directions to government organizations whenever improvements or corrective measures are required.
A key feature of the proposed framework is the appointment of an Agency Chief Data Officer (CDO) in every federal public body. These officers will oversee data management within their organizations, maintain official data inventories, monitor compliance, and report important developments to the national authority.
The policy also outlines the creation of a National Data Governance Council, which will be chaired by the Pakistan Digital Authority. Representatives from federal ministries, provincial governments, regulators, and other stakeholders are expected to participate in the council to improve coordination and establish consistent data governance practices across the country.
As part of its broader responsibilities, the authority will supervise several national digital initiatives, including the National Open Data Portal, the National Data Exchange (WASL), and the National Data Catalogue. Regular assessments and audits are also proposed to measure how effectively government institutions are implementing national data governance standards.
Another significant proposal is the introduction of a National Data Maturity Index. This annual assessment will evaluate the overall performance of public institutions in managing and protecting government data. The results are expected to help identify weaknesses, improve digital governance, and guide future policy decisions.
The proposed framework also gives the authority powers to recommend corrective actions where institutions fail to meet the required standards. Government departments showing repeated non-compliance could face enforcement measures under the applicable legal framework.
While the Pakistan Digital Authority will oversee the governance of public-sector data, the policy makes it clear that the protection of citizens’ personal information will remain the responsibility of the authority established under Pakistan’s future personal data protection law.
The National Data Governance Policy 2026 is currently in the proposal stage. It is expected to come into force after receiving approval from the federal cabinet and its publication in the official Gazette, paving the way for a more structured and transparent digital governance system across Pakistan.