ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, led by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, convened a meeting at the Parliament Lodges in Islamabad to address escalating cyber threats amid recent hostilities with India.

The meeting, attended by several senators and key officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, deviated from its planned agenda in response to a recent Indian attack on Pakistan that resulted in civilian casualties.

Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan raised concerns over receiving threatening messages across various digital platforms. These messages followed her Senate speech condemning India’s allegations regarding the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, which had been highlighted in a Hindustan Times article.

She warned of an ongoing cyber-war, accusing the Indian government of spreading false narratives online. Highlighting the power of social media in modern warfare, she stressed that social engineering attacks can be more destructive than traditional military tactics.

The committee emphasized the need for national unity and resilience to counter such hybrid warfare strategies. Members voiced support for those confronting the adversary’s actions, particularly India’s targeting of civilians.

Acknowledging the serious nature of the situation, the committee recommended the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority initiate a public awareness campaign. This initiative aims to educate citizens on cyber threats and the critical importance of national cohesion in these challenging times.