Pakistan has declared online safety for women and girls a national priority, linking the country’s digital future to protections for half its population. Speaking in Islamabad on the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja pledged sustained action to build a safer digital environment across the country.
Khawaja stressed that Pakistan’s digital transformation cannot succeed unless women feel secure online. “Technology can only support progress when women are confident that the digital world is safe and accessible to them,” she said, emphasizing that every woman and girl must be able to participate in digital life “without fear.”
Her remarks come amid rising concerns over online harassment, blackmail, data misuse, and cyber-enabled violence that disproportionately affect women. Rights groups note that these threats often escalate into offline dangers, while digital divides—especially in rural areas—continue to limit access to smartphones, the internet, and safe-use training.
Khawaja tied safety to economic empowerment, highlighting that digital skills, access to online education, and income-generating opportunities strengthen women’s participation in Pakistan’s economy and enhance their protection both online and offline. The government’s broader strategy aims to integrate women’s digital security into national development priorities, ensuring that technology policies reflect the lived realities of women and girls across the country.
With renewed focus on digital rights and protection, Pakistan is signaling that women’s online safety is essential for building an inclusive and resilient digital society
