Tarar proposes National Cyber Security and Social Media Awareness Council

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has proposed setting up a National Cyber Security and Social Media Awareness Council. He made the proposal on Saturday at the inaugural ceremony of Cyber Security Awareness Week 2026, which the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority organised in Islamabad. Radio Pakistan reported his remarks.

According to the reports, the council would aim to protect citizens from digital threats and improve public awareness. The Associated Press of Pakistan reported that it is also meant to strengthen institutional coordination, promote digital literacy and raise awareness about misinformation and emerging cyber threats.

Tarar suggested that provincial governments, federal ministries and divisions should be part of the council. He said other relevant organisations could also become members. He assured his full support for establishing the body.

He said Pakistan needs a coordinated government approach to address cybersecurity challenges. In his view, a unified strategy could help extend awareness initiatives to citizens across the country.

Tarar also called for introducing digital literacy across educational institutions. He proposed including it in school, college and university curricula, so that students learn about emerging technological threats and ways to address them. He called for a research-based system to update the curriculum regularly.

The minister said digital literacy should become compulsory for every citizen. He urged organisations across Pakistan to establish digital literacy cells, and said government officers and bureaucrats should also receive relevant training.

Daily Times reported that the proposed council would support awareness efforts throughout the year, covering different levels of society.