Google Launches ‘Digital Pasban’ in Pakistan

Google has introduced the ‘Digital Pasban‘ programme in Pakistan, a new initiative focused on promoting online safety across the country. The programme is designed to provide training on Google’s online safety tools to 200,000 families, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the digital world more securely.

Key Remarks from Google Leadership

At the launch ceremony, Farhan Qureshi, Cluster Director for Google Pakistan, noted that the Prime Minister inaugurated Google’s operations in Pakistan. He stated that Google’s entry into the country sends a clear message to the world that Pakistan is open to technology and business. Qureshi also highlighted the ongoing growth of Pakistan’s game industry and digital economy.

Wilson White, Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, emphasized the company’s commitment to online safety, noting that safety is already integrated into its core products. White announced that Google would invest $500,000 in the Digital Pasban programme. He explained that the initiative aims to deliver practical tools and resources for digital literacy, helping children move through the online world safely and confidently. After the training, parents would be better equipped to protect their children from inappropriate content.

PTA Chairman’s Perspective

Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), stressed the central role of parents and teachers in children’s training. He revealed that the PTA receives hundreds of complaints daily concerning children’s use of social media. Rehman said the PTA is fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities and maintains close contact with social media platforms. He affirmed that connectivity is essential in today’s world and that technology cannot be stopped.

Rehman added that Pakistan must benefit from new technologies alongside rules and regulations. He mentioned that the PTA informs social media platforms about complaints and local laws. Notably, he stated that Google has the highest compliance rate in Pakistan regarding complaints. The country’s aim, he said, is to secure a progressive future for its young generation through the positive use of new technologies.

#Google, #DigitalPasban, #OnlineSafety, #Pakistan, #DigitalLiteracy