Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government on Tuesday formally released the findings of the GB Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (GB MICS) 2024-25. With this launch, the region achieved a global milestone by becoming the first in the world to disseminate the Seventh Round of MICS (MICS-7) results.
Addressing the high-level gathering as the chief guest, Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Speaker Imran Nadeem emphasized the fundamental role of accurate data in regional governance. He stated that reliable, timely, and high-quality data were essential to drive evidence-based planning, ensure effective public administration, and achieve equitable resource allocation across Gilgit-Baltistan.
Highlighting the shift toward modern data accessibility, Speaker Nadeem officially inaugurated the newly developed MICS Digital Application, created by the Statistical and Research Cell of the Planning and Development Department. He noted that the digital platform marks a crucial step forward in enabling seamless access to survey data for policy formulation, program monitoring, and strategic decision-making.
The survey stands as the most comprehensive household study ever conducted in Gilgit-Baltistan. It assesses 195 indicators, including 35 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. The dataset evaluates key socio-economic dimensions, including education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, climate change, and living conditions of women, children, and households. Building upon the initial survey conducted in 2016-17, the report measures seven years of progress while identifying remaining developmental gaps.
The dissemination ceremony was attended by prominent cabinet members and officials, including Planning and Development Minister Syed Jalal Ali Shah, Local Government Minister Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Interior Minister Muhammad Dilpazeer, and Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Riaz Ahmed. Senior representatives from UNICEF Pakistan, including Data and Analytics Manager Achraf Mohamed Mrabet and Fateh Uddin, alongside officials from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), civil society, and academia, were also present.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF Pakistan, Achraf Mohamed Mrabet underscored the strong technical and financial partnership with the GB government throughout all survey stages, emphasizing the importance of policy-relevant data.
Faisal Usman, Deputy Chief of the Statistical and Research Cell and Project Director for the survey, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the core findings. The event concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to key stakeholders, with officials reiterating that the survey findings will directly inform future public investments and welfare policies across the region.
