Meta has brought together government officials, regulators, educators, parents and civil society representatives at a Digital Safety Summit in Islamabad to strengthen online protection for children and young people.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Ministry of Human Rights, PTA, SMPRA, NCRC and Zindagi Trust, the summit focused on privacy, age-appropriate safeguards, digital literacy and safer online experiences.
Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said child safety must be built into technology rather than left solely to parents. She called for greater collaboration among technology companies, regulators, schools and families, with awareness initiatives reaching rural and remote communities.
NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza cautioned that outright social media bans could push young people towards less regulated online spaces, stressing the need for coordinated action by platforms, government and families. SMPRA Member Salman Zafar also emphasised that online safety requires secure platforms, privacy protections and accountable reporting mechanisms.
At the summit, Meta introduced “Digital Dialogues in Real Life,” a free interactive tool designed to help teenagers, parents and teachers discuss common online situations and understand available safety features. Meta’s Teen Accounts include default protections governing who can contact teenagers, the content they encounter and their screen time.
The event highlighted the importance of combining platform safeguards with digital education and open communication between children and trusted adults to build a safer online environment in Pakistan.
