Islamabad: Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has emphasized the importance of safeguarding children in the digital realm while ensuring their access to modern technology. She underscored the need for collective efforts among technology platforms, policymakers, civil society, parents, and the government to protect young individuals online.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a ceremony in Islamabad, Minister Khawaja cautioned against blanket bans on social media. She highlighted that such prohibitions could drive children to unregulated platforms through risky means like VPNs. The minister advocated for international cooperation with tech companies to create reliable age-assurance systems and enforce existing safety features for teenagers on digital platforms.

Minister Khawaja urged technology firms to prioritize safety as a fundamental aspect of digital platforms instead of treating it as an afterthought. She also called for the extension of public awareness initiatives about digital risks to rural areas, aiming to reach users beyond major urban centers.