ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 (APP):Air University has successfully concluded its two-day 3rd International Conference on Recent Trends in Statistics and Data Analytical Sciences and an accompanying AI Tech Expo, bringing together policymakers, academics, researchers and industry representatives to discuss technological advancements and the role of data analytics in economic growth.
Organized by the Department of Statistics and Data Analytical Sciences (SDAS), Air University, the landmark event celebrated not only the transformative potential of statistics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence but also the remarkable progress of a department committed to preparing graduates for the rapidly evolving demands of the modern workforce.
The heart of this achievement is the department’s flagship, industry-oriented graduate education in Statistics and Data Analytical Sciences, designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical professional requirements.
By integrating statistical thinking, advanced analytical methods, data-driven problem-solving, and emerging AI technologies, the department is strengthening pathways for graduates to pursue professional careers, contribute to research and innovation, and create new opportunities through entrepreneurship and technology-led ventures.
The department’s growing academic and professional footprint reflects its commitment to developing job-ready graduates, high-achieving professionals, and future job creators who can contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s digital transformation. Its focus on applied learning and industry engagement underscores the increasing importance of data analytical sciences across government, business, finance, research, technology, and other sectors of the economy.
The conference was chaired by Dr Ammara Nawaz Cheema, Chairperson of the Department of Statistics and Data Analytical Sciences at Air University.
The prestigious conference featured distinguished national figures, including Dr. Tahir Noor, Secretary, Planning Commission; Air Marshal (Retd.) Abdul Moeed Khan, HI(M), Vice Chancellor, Air University; Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat, SI, TI, Vice Chancellor, University of Sargodha; Dr. Ghulam Ali Mullah, Chairman, Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC); and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atif, Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, alongside eminent academics, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from industry.
The speakers highlighted the importance of effective data utilisation, statistical analysis and AI in promoting research, improving institutional decision-making and addressing Pakistan’s development challenges.
The AI Tech Expo featured organisations, including the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Survey of Pakistan, AI Geo Navigators, Helping Hands and SBS, showcasing data-driven technologies, geospatial intelligence and practical AI applications.
The expo provided students, researchers and industry professionals with an opportunity to interact, exchange ideas and explore potential avenues for professional development and collaboration.
The event underscored the importance of integrating statistical knowledge, analytical skills and emerging technologies into graduate education to prepare professionals for the evolving requirements of government, business, finance, research and technology sectors.
It also highlighted the need to promote entrepreneurship and applied learning to enable graduates to develop innovative solutions, create employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s knowledge-based economy.
A World Statistics Day awareness walk was also organised as part of the event to promote data literacy and highlight the role of reliable statistical information in governance, research and national development.
The initiative emphasised that quality data and sound statistical methods were essential for evidence-based policymaking and the responsible use of AI technologies.
The conference and expo were supported by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Science Foundation, AI Geo Navigators, Helping Hands, Ranchers, Tapal Danedar and H2Ola.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
