ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has proposed the establishment of a National Cyber Security and Social Media Awareness Council to strengthen institutional coordination, promote digital literacy and enhance public awareness regarding misinformation and emerging cyber threats. The proposal was introduced during the inaugural ceremony of Cyber Security Awareness Week 2026, which is being held under the theme “Building a Safe, Secure and Resilient Cyberspace” by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Key Points

• The proposed council aims to unite federal ministries, provincial governments, and regulatory bodies for a cohesive national cyber security response.
• Minister Attaullah Tarar suggested integrating digital literacy into the national curriculum from primary schools to universities.
• The initiative seeks to mandate the labeling of AI-generated content on social media to combat misinformation effectively.
• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has established a dedicated digital communication department to enhance outreach and fact-checking.

Institutional Coordination and Digital Literacy

The event featured key stakeholders, including PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez ur Rehman, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Dr Samuel Rizk, UNDP representative Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad, and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Chairperson Ambreen Jan. Minister Tarar urged stakeholders to incorporate the proposal for a national council into the event’s concluding declaration, suggesting that the PTA lead the consultative process over the next two weeks.

Addressing the challenges posed by the modern information landscape, the minister noted that while traditional media remains relevant, the rapid expansion of digital environments has outpaced existing regulatory frameworks. He emphasized that in an era where Pakistan calls for responsible use of technologies, a whole-of-government approach is necessary. This includes creating research-based curricula to teach students how to identify deepfakes, scams, and protect personal data.

Addressing Emerging Digital Threats

Tarar further proposed the creation of dedicated digital literacy cells within government organizations to train bureaucracy members in identifying cyber risks. Regarding the role of social media, he highlighted the need for mandatory disclosure of AI-generated content to help users distinguish between synthetic and organic material. Furthermore, he noted that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) is actively enhancing its operational capacity to support the telecom sector.

The minister also underscored the importance of institutional synergy, citing that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working closely with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the PTA, and the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority (SMPRA). He added that the government’s newly formed digital communication department, staffed by Generation Z professionals, is already implementing advanced fact-checking mechanisms. As Pakistan and Singapore mark 60 years of robust diplomatic relations, the government continues to prioritize international cooperation, including partnerships with the UNDP to strengthen local capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of the proposed National Cyber Security and Social Media Awareness Council?

The council is intended to strengthen institutional coordination, promote digital literacy, and enhance public awareness regarding misinformation and emerging cyber threats.

How does the government plan to address AI-generated content?

The Minister proposed mandatory labeling of AI-generated content on social media platforms to ensure users can clearly distinguish between artificially generated material and other content.