ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiative Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday underlined the importance of using evidence for policy decisions and actions.

Speaking at Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) International Education Summit, planning minister said: “The use of data and research in education policy-making is crucial for Pakistan to achieve its development goals. We need to prioritise evidence-based decision-making to ensure that our education system is responsive to the needs of our children and youth.”

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, said: “Pakistan’s children are at real risk of only reaching 41pc of living a full life to reach their maximum potential . Only effective teaching, strong schooling, and evidence-based decisions can given children, particularly the most marginalised, the best chance to learn and succeed.”

The summit, held here at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), brought together researchers and policymakers to advance evidence-based education reform.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdur Rauf Khan, Country Director, Oxford Policy Management, Pakistan, said, “DARE-RC is a unique initiative that brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to share knowledge and experiences. We are proud to be part of this consortium and look forward to continuing our work together to improve education outcomes in Pakistan.”

DARE-RC Team Lead Dr Ehtasham Anwar noted, “The summit has provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions on critical issues affecting education in Pakistan. We are committed to collaborating with the government and other partners to use evidence to inform policy and practice.”

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025