ISLAMABAD: As AI-driven scams, identity theft, and online fraud become increasingly sophisticated, the government has stressed the need for stronger cyber security measures and greater public awareness to protect citizens’ personal data, children’s online safety, and national security.
The closing ceremony of Cyber Security Awareness Week 2026, organized by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was held in Islamabad.
The nationwide awareness campaign, conducted from October 17 to 23, was themed “Building a Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Cyberspace.” The campaign aimed to raise public awareness of cyber security, digital safety, responsible technology use, and verifying accurate information.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, representatives from international organizations, telecom operators, academic institutions, and media personalities.
Delivering the concluding remarks, the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, stated that cyber security is no longer merely an IT concern, but has become a critical challenge tied to national security, economic stability, sustainable development, and the protection of citizens’ daily lives.
She said fake phone calls, number cloning, banking fraud, and the impersonation of digital identities have become so realistic that distinguishing authentic communications from fraudulent ones has become difficult for ordinary citizens.
Sharing a personal experience, the Federal Minister mentioned that her father received a suspicious call in which information regarding a family member was exploited to demand a monetary transfer.
She stated that this incident clearly demonstrates how criminals leverage information available online about individuals and their families to deceive them.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja urged the public never to share personal details, bank account information, passwords, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) upon receiving unexpected calls, messages, or emails. Independent verification through official channels is essential before responding to any such demands.
She emphasized that unnecessarily sharing photographs of children, home addresses, vehicle registration numbers, exterior residential views, and children’s school details on social media can pose risks to personal safety.
According to her, every online activity leaves a digital footprint, which could potentially be exploited for fraud, forgery, or identity theft in the future.
Highlighting child online safety as a priority, the Federal Minister noted that young children are increasingly participating in online gaming, virtual communities, and digital platforms, exposing them to contact with unknown individuals.
Parents must remain informed about their children’s online activities, digital acquaintances, and interactions within virtual environments.
She warned that children face risks such as cyber bullying, online grooming, inappropriate contact, and peer pressure, which can impact their mental health, privacy, and social development. She urged parents to engage in open conversations with their children regarding digital safety and guide them toward responsible internet usage.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja added that cyber security awareness should not be limited to children or technology experts alone, but must reach youth, women, parents, professionals, and all segments of society. She advised the public to stop, think, and verify the authenticity of information before sharing it online.
The Federal Minister also emphasized strengthening institutional capabilities in cyber security, ensuring effective reporting of cyber incidents, and taking prompt action. She stated that the government, relevant institutions, regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the technology industry must collaborate to mitigate cyber threats.
Urging the tech industry, she called for embedding cyber security as a core element of digital products and services from design, rather than treating it as a post-incident reactive measure. Building a secure Digital Pakistan requires a combination of government initiatives, public awareness, responsible digital behaviours, and active private sector partnerships.
Chairman PTA, Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman (R), highlighted the importance of a secure and reliable digital ecosystem for Pakistan’s digital development. He underscored PTA’s initiatives in countering cyber threats, digital fraud, and misinformation, as well as its focus on public awareness and inter-agency collaboration.
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative, Dr. Samuel Rizk, remarked that advanced technology alone is insufficient for creating a secure digital environment; informed and empowered users are equally essential. He stated that UNDP’s partnership with PTA is vital for enabling citizens to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable populations from online threats.
During the event, panel discussions were held on cyber threats, digital safety, and cyber resilience, while telecom operators showcased their respective cyber security awareness initiatives.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026