𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴/ 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 (𝗖𝗢𝗣)

𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙙, 𝙋𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣 – In a significant step towards safeguarding children in the digital realm, the National CERT actively participated in the four-day Child Online Protection (COP) training organized by UNICEF Pakistan in collaboration with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Telenor Pakistan, and empowerment thru creative integration (ECi). Held from September 9-12, 2024, in Islamabad, the event brought together key stakeholders to address the growing challenges of online threats faced by children and to develop strategies for creating a safer digital space.

Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General, National CERT, delivered a keynote address on the first day of the event, where he laid out the National CERT's comprehensive vision for the online protection of children. Dr. Abbas emphasized that with the ever-expanding digital landscape, protecting children online has become an urgent priority for both public and private sectors. He outlined the National CERT's efforts in building an ecosystem centered around digital safety, including the promotion of digital literacy, the development of parental controls, and age verification systems to protect children from harmful content.

Dr. Abbas further elaborated on the National CERT's initiatives, including collaborations with social media platforms, ISPs, and international partners to combat cyberbullying and swiftly respond to child-related cyber incidents. Highlighting the importance of educating children, parents, and educators about online risks and digital citizenship, he reinforced the National CERT's commitment to fostering a secure digital environment for children through nationwide awareness campaigns, training programs, and the establishment of national reporting mechanisms like a cyber tip-line. Adding to the discussion, Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Manager Trainings at National CERT, also addressed participants on the importance of equipping professionals with digital forensic capabilities and outlined best practices for establishing efficient reporting systems for child-related incidents. Mr. Syed Imran Haider highlighted how National CERT’s ongoing efforts aim to enhance coordination between different organizations to respond effectively to online threats targeting children.

The training, which focused on emerging online threats, strengthening reporting mechanisms, and embedding child safeguarding practices within digital policies, provided a platform for attendees to gain actionable strategies for protecting children online. Through collaborations across sectors, this initiative aligns with the National CERT's overarching goal of ensuring a safe, regulated, and empowering digital space for children in Pakistan.on educational programs designed to enhance public awareness and understanding of cybersecurity in Pakistan.