Google Commits $500,000 to Boost Digital Safety in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Google has announced a $500,000 investment to strengthen digital safety in Pakistan, with a new initiative aimed at helping hundreds of thousands of families navigate online risks more safely and confidently.
The funding, committed through Google.org, will support the “Digital Pasban” initiative, which aims to provide 200,000 households with Urdu-language digital safety toolkits, educational videos and parental workshops.
The programme will work with local partners to equip children, young people and adults with the knowledge and tools needed to develop healthy online habits and address risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming and exposure to inappropriate content.
Speaking at the launch, Google Vice President for Public Policy Wilson White said the digital environment offers significant opportunities but also presents risks that are often difficult for families to identify. He stressed the need to build “digital confidence” among parents and children through awareness and education.
Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and frontier markets, Farhan Qureshi, said the opening of the company’s Karachi office would further strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy.
He highlighted the country’s potential in areas including content creation, gaming, freelancing and technology, noting that Pakistan is rapidly adopting digital technologies.
Following the investment announcement and inauguration of its Karachi office, Google and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen online safety for children.
According to the PTA, the agreement will focus on raising awareness and promoting the responsible use of online platforms among children, parents, teachers and caregivers across the country. The two organisations will collaborate on child-safety initiatives centred on education, awareness and capacity-building.
PTA Chairman Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman underscored the importance of cooperation among technology companies, regulators, parents and other stakeholders to protect children in an increasingly connected environment.
He said the PTA receives approximately 500 complaints every day involving inappropriate content and harmful online activities targeting children.
While emphasising the need for strong enforcement, he said preventive safeguards and awareness were equally important. He also stressed that internet access should continue to support business, education and economic opportunities while measures are taken to address harmful online content.
The initiative marks another step towards creating a safer and more responsible digital environment in Pakistan as internet adoption and children’s exposure to online platforms continue to grow.
Story by Kalbe Ali
