Pakistan Digital Authority Set to Get Sweeping Powers Over Government Data
The Pakistan Digital Authority is set to receive wide-ranging powers over government data under the proposed National Data Governance Policy 2026, as the federal government moves to create a central regulatory framework for how public sector data is managed, shared and monitored.
According to official documents, the Pakistan Digital Authority, working under the Ministry of IT, will act as the central body responsible for overseeing data governance across federal institutions. All federal entities will be required to implement the National Data Governance Framework once the proposed policy is approved.
Under the policy, the authority will monitor compliance, conduct regular audits, and recommend corrective measures where government institutions fail to meet data governance standards. In cases of repeated non-compliance, action may be taken against public sector bodies under applicable laws.
The Pakistan Digital Authority will also oversee key national digital infrastructure, including the National Open Data Portal and the National Data Exchange Platform. It will be responsible for maintaining the National Data Catalog, which is expected to support better coordination, transparency, and lawful use of data across government departments.
A major requirement under the proposed framework is the appointment of a chief data officer in every federal institution. These officers will be tasked with implementing the policy, ensuring lawful data use, and reporting compliance within their respective organizations.
The policy also proposes the creation of a National Data Governance Council to be headed by the Pakistan Digital Authority. The council will include representatives from federal and provincial governments, regulators, and other relevant stakeholders.
To measure institutional performance, the authority will issue a National Data Maturity Index, ranking or assessing public sector bodies on their data governance practices. The annual data governance performance of government institutions will also be made public.
The proposed policy marks a major shift in Pakistan’s digital governance structure, giving the Pakistan Digital Authority a powerful role in monitoring how government data is handled across federal departments.
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