PTA chief Hafeez Ur Rehman says parents, teachers and society must work together to protect children from social media risks, as the authority receives up to 1,500 complaints daily.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman retired Lt Gen Hafeez Ur Rehman has said regulation alone cannot address the harmful effects of social media, calling for collective efforts by parents, teachers and society to protect children online.
Addressing the concluding session of the Digital Tahaffuz Summit on Wednesday, he said creating a safe and secure digital environment in Pakistan remained the authority’s top priority.
The PTA chairman revealed that the regulator received between 1,000 and 1,500 complaints daily, which were processed for necessary action.
He explained that the authority primarily addressed online content in response to complaints because it lacked an automated monitoring system, sufficient personnel and artificial intelligence-based tools to proactively review social media platforms.
He also highlighted challenges in enforcing Pakistani laws against international technology companies that lacked a physical presence in the country, noting that other countries in the region faced similar difficulties.
Parents urged to promote digital awareness
Emphasising the role of families, Rehman urged parents to maintain friendly relationships with their children and provide logical explanations rather than relying on scolding and reprimands.
He encouraged families to involve children in outdoor sports and other activities while maintaining open communication about their online experiences.
The PTA chairman also called for formal education on the positive and negative aspects of social media to be incorporated into school curricula, enabling children to understand the benefits and risks of digital platforms.
He said digital awareness was essential to helping young people navigate online spaces responsibly and safely.
Rehman appreciated the organisers of the Digital Tahaffuz Summit and urged them to arrange similar seminars regularly in different cities across Pakistan.
He said sustained public awareness and cooperation among families, educational institutions, society and regulators were necessary to build a safer digital future for the country.