ISLAMABAD: In a bid to foster safe and responsible internet usage especially among the youth the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) organised a meeting with prominent religious scholars on Tuesday.

The event was held to develop collaborative effort between the PTA and religious leaders to address the challenges of social media and the internet while promoting a digital environment that aligns with cultural and religious values.

The meeting was attended by Islamic scholars from various schools of thought including Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Dr Qibla Ayaz, Ruet-i-Hilal Committee ChairmanMaulana Abdul Khabeer Azad and Maulana Tariq Jameel among others.

PTA Chairman retired Maj Gen Hafeezur Rehman highlighted the pivotal role of religious scholars in guiding people toward ethical and responsible internet usage, and emphasised the potential for even greater impact if the scholars lend their support to the PTA through their own platforms.

He said the meeting marked the beginning of a series towards collaborative efforts with respected Ulema to combat harmful and unlawful online content.

The Web Analysis Division (WAD) of PTA provided an overview of the authority’s initiatives in this regard, and recognising the gravity of online threats such as anti-state, blasphemous and hate speech online, it was emphasised that addressing them was the collective responsibility of the state, judiciary, PTA, Pemra, FIA and the individuals.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2023