Pakistan is preparing to teach cybersecurity in classrooms. The federal government has proposed adding digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness to the curricula of schools, colleges and universities, aiming to protect children and young people from the fast-growing wave of online threats.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar made the proposal on Thursday while addressing the closing ceremony of Cybersecurity Awareness Week in Islamabad. He said Pakistan needs a stronger regulatory framework and updated policies to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology — and that the classroom is where the defence should begin.
What Students Will Learn About Online Safety
According to the minister, digital education should go far beyond basic computer skills. Students would be taught how to spot fake news, recognise cyberattacks and protect themselves while using online platforms. The curriculum would train them to identify suspicious messages, think critically about what they see on social media and keep their personal information safe.
Tarar said children must learn how to navigate social media safely from an early age, adding that digital education should reach students in every part of the country — not just in major cities. He also urged the government to consult stakeholders, organise training programmes and spread cybersecurity awareness to citizens from all walks of life.
PTA Chief Warns Pakistan Is Under Daily Cyber Attack
The proposal comes as Pakistan’s top telecom regulator warns that the country is a prime target for cyberattacks around the clock. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General Hafeez ur Rehman told the same closing ceremony that thousands of fake videos are circulating in the country every day, while citizens routinely receive fraudulent calls and deceptive one-time password (OTP) messages.
The PTA chairman said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is working to tackle digital fraud, and that NADRA, PEMRA and the PTA itself have strengthened their systems to fend off attacks — though the telecom sector remains vulnerable. He urged the public never to share unverified messages, warning that even the authorities receive fake threats.
Tarar added that young people, particularly Gen Z, must be involved in building a secure digital future for Pakistan, and encouraged them to take an active role in creating a safer online environment.
Why Cybersecurity Education Matters Now
The push for cybersecurity education in Pakistan reflects a wider regional trend. As internet access spreads across the country, students are coming online earlier and spending more of their lives on digital platforms, where scams, impersonation and misinformation are everyday hazards.
Experts have long argued that technical defences alone cannot stop fraud when users hand over OTP codes or click malicious links. Teaching schoolchildren to pause, verify and report suspicious content is widely seen as the cheapest and most effective layer of protection.
If the proposal moves forward, curriculum revisions would follow at the school, college and university levels, alongside teacher training and nationwide awareness campaigns. For millions of Pakistani students, “stay safe online” could soon become a classroom subject rather than just parental advice.
Sources: TechJuice, Bloom Pakistan
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