The Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), in collaboration with Sightsavers, launched a research report titled “Disability Inclusive Data and Systems” today. Conducted under the DARE RC, the study analyzes the integration of Washington Group Questions on Disability into Pakistan’s Annual School Census (ASC).

It examines progress and challenges in Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) across provinces and emphasises the need for inclusive data to inform education budgets and sector plans. Organisers highlighted that by including functional difficulty questions, they aim to provide support for children in need.

Dr Shahid Soroya and Ms Munazza Gillani led the discussions, with Gillani noting that owning disability data is crucial for inclusive education. Dr Ehtasham Anwar emphasised the importance of reliable data for effective policy action. Key findings on disability data in Pakistan were presented, along with policy recommendations for improving data quality in the ASC and its use in provincial planning to meet SDG 4 commitments. A panel discussion moderated by Dr Sulaman Ijaz included EMIS experts from various provinces.