Pakistan plans to establish a National Cyber Security and Social Media Awareness Council within the next two weeks. The initiative aims to improve digital literacy and protect citizens from online threats.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Atta Tarar proposed the council during a Cyber Security Awareness Week seminar in Islamabad on Thursday. He called for a coordinated approach to tackling misinformation, cybercrime and risks linked to rapidly evolving digital technologies.
PTA May Lead New Cybersecurity Council
The minister proposed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) lead the initiative. Federal ministries, government divisions, provincial governments and relevant organisations would also participate.
Furthermore, the government plans to invite suggestions from stakeholders to shape the council’s responsibilities. Tarar said the body could be announced within one or two weeks.
The proposed council would bring existing institutions together to improve coordination. These include the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority (SMPRA).
Digital Literacy May Become Part of Education
Tarar called for a comprehensive digital literacy curriculum covering schools, colleges and universities. He said Pakistan lacked a unified syllabus that could help students recognise misinformation and respond to online threats.
He also proposed making digital literacy compulsory and training government officers in online safety. Moreover, he suggested that every organisation establish a dedicated digital literacy cell.
The minister said traditional awareness campaigns were no longer sufficient. Instead, targeted messages and suitable communication formats could help different audiences understand digital risks.
Government Calls for AI Content Labelling
The minister also urged authorities to introduce rules requiring social media platforms to label artificial intelligence-generated content. Such labels would help users distinguish artificially produced material from other online content.
He highlighted financial scams, deepfakes and privacy violations as growing concerns. Consequently, he stressed the need for stronger public awareness and updated regulatory frameworks.
Council to Coordinate Digital Safety Efforts
The proposed council would support cooperation between government departments, regulators and relevant organisations. It would also help maintain cybersecurity awareness throughout the year rather than relying on occasional campaigns.
If established, the council could provide a coordinated platform for addressing emerging digital threats. Its effectiveness will depend on clear responsibilities, practical education programmes and cooperation among participating institutions.
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