A coalition of regulators, industry and international partners gathered in Pakistan to spotlight child online safety and translate awareness into concrete action. The event brought together NCRC, PTA, PKCERT, UNICEF and Telenor Pakistan to address the growing risks that children face as access to digital technology expands.
The initiative aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism and this year’s theme UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls, underscoring the particular vulnerabilities of girls and young women in online spaces and the need for targeted measures to prevent harm.
UNICEF Representative Pernille Ironside stressed the urgency of building online environments where children can explore, learn and connect without fear, calling for policies and programmes that make child online safety a priority in homes, schools and communities.
Delivering the keynote, Chairperson NCRC Ayesha Raza Farooq emphasised that ensuring a secure digital space for every child in Pakistan requires coordinated action as technology reaches more households. She highlighted prevention of online exploitation, stronger reporting pathways and widespread digital literacy as essential components of a national response to protect children.
Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Member (Compliance & Enforcement) PTA, reiterated the regulator’s mandate to protect users, particularly minors, by raising online safety standards, removing harmful content and improving mechanisms that allow children and families to report digital threats quickly and effectively.
From the cybersecurity perspective, Mr Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building NCERT, urged investment in robust technical safeguards and rapid-response capabilities within institutions, alongside efforts to empower children to recognise risks and adopt safer online behaviours.
Fridtjof Rusten, CEO of Telenor Pakistan, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible digital inclusion, noting that safer products, awareness programmes and community outreach are central to allowing children to benefit from technology while being shielded from online harm.
Participants said the collaborative approach aims to move beyond awareness and build practical systems across Pakistan that strengthen reporting, improve enforcement and promote digital literacy so that child online safety becomes part of everyday practice for families, educators and service providers.
