ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP):Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday called for coordinated efforts by the government, technology companies, parents and civil society to ensure a safe digital environment for children and young people.
Addressing the Digital Tahaffuz Summit, she said the growing role of digital platforms in communication, education, healthcare, entertainment and access to information had made it imperative to protect children from online harms.
She said the online safety of children in Pakistan was a matter of serious concern and stressed the need to strike a balance between protecting young users and ensuring their access to emerging technologies.
The minister said an outright ban on social media for children could push them towards alternative means of accessing such platforms.
She emphasised the need for effective age-assurance mechanisms in collaboration with social media companies, saying these could strengthen the implementation of existing safeguards for children and teenagers.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja said responsibility for children’s online safety could not rest solely with the government, technology platforms or parents, but required coordinated efforts involving policymakers, the private sector, international partners, civil society, educators and young people.
She appreciated Meta’s engagement and responsiveness, saying continued dialogue with technology companies that took their policy guidelines and local compliance obligations seriously was essential to maintaining constructive relationships.
The minister said online safety must be built into technology platforms from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought or addressed only after concerns arose.
She also called for greater public awareness of online risks, particularly in areas beyond major urban centres, and urged technology companies with extensive reach, including Meta, to take proactive measures to educate children and parents about online safety.
Acknowledging awareness campaigns conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), she said social media campaigns alone had limitations in reaching all sections of society.
She stressed that awareness initiatives should reach communities across the country and help parents and children understand the safeguards available to them and how to use them effectively.
The minister also underscored the importance of open and candid discussions among young people, parents and educators, saying children should feel safe expressing themselves when discussing online challenges.
She said practical cooperation and tangible outcomes were essential to advancing the online safety agenda, adding that continued dialogue among stakeholders could help develop solutions that protect children while enabling them to benefit from digital opportunities.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
