National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan actively participated in the Training of Trainers on Digital Literacy and Cyber Safety organized at PTA Headquarters under the Safe Online Future for Teens initiative, contributing expertise on responsible artificial intelligence adoption and strengthened cybersecurity practices.
The training was organized by PTA in collaboration with TikTok and Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness under the SOFT program, bringing together educators, trainers, and key stakeholders focused on strengthening digital literacy standards for adolescents across the country. The initiative is designed to equip trainers with the knowledge and practical tools required to guide young users in navigating online platforms safely, responsibly, and with a deeper understanding of digital risks. By convening participants from diverse backgrounds, the program created a structured environment for discussing emerging online behaviors, platform usage trends, and the evolving threat landscape affecting teenagers in Pakistan.
Representing National CERT, Syed Imran Haider, Assistant Director Trainings, delivered a session titled Responsible AI Adoption and Robust Cybersecurity Practices. His presentation addressed the growing integration of artificial intelligence into everyday digital platforms and emphasized the importance of secure digital conduct when interacting with AI driven systems. The session focused on risk informed AI usage, practical safeguards for online engagement, and the development of proactive cybersecurity frameworks that can mitigate vulnerabilities before they escalate into incidents. Participants were guided through real world examples highlighting how weak digital hygiene, unverified content sharing, or misuse of AI tools can amplify exposure to online harm. The discussion reinforced the need for structured awareness programs that align technological advancement with accountability and user safety.
The broader training agenda included baseline assessments of digital usage patterns and lived experiences among adolescents, experiential learning modules built around simulated cyber threat scenarios, and facilitated group discussions examining emerging online risks. Participants reviewed social media trends specific to Pakistani youth, core safety terminology, and evolving digital threats such as deepfakes, misinformation, and manipulative content. Conversations also explored the psychosocial, emotional, and physical consequences of cyber harm on children and teenagers, underscoring the need for a child centered framework in digital policy and educational outreach. By integrating technical insights with behavioral considerations, the program aimed to bridge gaps between cybersecurity awareness and practical classroom level implementation.
National CERT reiterated its commitment to enhancing national cyber resilience through structured capacity building, awareness campaigns, and institutional collaboration. Its engagement in the SOFT initiative reflects a broader strategy focused on equipping educators and community leaders with actionable knowledge to foster a secure digital environment for youth. Through continued partnerships with regulatory authorities, technology platforms, and civil society organizations, National CERT is working to strengthen collective preparedness and promote responsible participation within Pakistan’s expanding digital ecosystem.
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