National Cyber Emergency Response Team conducted detailed capacity building sessions at the Pakistan Girl Guides Association 23rd All Pakistan National Camp in Islamabad, continuing its efforts to strengthen digital resilience for women and girls across the country. Under the Security Awareness for Female Empowerment and Resilience program known as SAFER, National CERT engaged more than 300 Girl Guides from various regions, focusing on improving their knowledge of online safety, response strategies and responsible digital behavior. The initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to support young participants in understanding digital environments with greater confidence and awareness.
The sessions were led by experts who guided the attendees through essential aspects of cybersecurity and responsible online conduct. Mr. Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building, conducted an extended session devoted to improving cybersecurity awareness among the participants. He explained the significance of safeguarding personal information, identifying cyber threats and developing habits that contribute to secure digital use. A key part of his session emphasized recognizing different types of cyber harassment and understanding how to respond with appropriate first steps. He also encouraged the use of formal reporting channels so that individuals can act with clarity and assurance when facing harmful online behavior. His engagement with the participants aimed to help them develop informed decision making skills for their digital interactions.
Another segment of the training was led by Ms. Zaheema Iqbal, Assistant Director Advisory and Communications, who addressed the increasing issue of AI driven deepfakes targeting women. Her session provided a detailed explanation of how manipulated digital content is created and how it can affect individuals, particularly young girls. She presented practical guidance on safety measures that participants can apply to guard against these risks, along with information on reporting channels that are available to them when encountering threatening or misleading material. Ms. Zaheema also focused on building confidence so that girls can navigate online platforms with a sense of security and independence. Her session aimed to encourage responsible participation in digital spaces while maintaining awareness of potential vulnerabilities.
Throughout the program, the participants demonstrated strong involvement by actively contributing to discussions and showing interest in expanding their understanding of digital safety. Their responses reflected the relevance of the sessions and the importance of guiding young individuals with the correct tools to protect themselves online. National CERT continues to emphasize capacity building for women and youth, recognizing that knowledge and preparedness are essential components of improving digital resilience. Additional sessions are expected to be conducted across the country as part of the broader SAFER initiative, supporting communities in developing practical skills to manage online interactions securely and conscientiously.
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