Google puts $500,000 behind Pakistan’s digital safety push

• ‘Digital Pasban’ to reach 200,000 households with Urdu safety tools
• Tech giant, PTA join forces to protect children from online risks

ISLAMABAD: Google annou­n­ced a $500,000 investment on Thursday to help Pakistani families navigate the internet safely, launching an initiative to equip hundreds of thousands of households with digital safety tools.

The financial commitment aligns with Google’s strategy for a long-term business presence in Pakistan, mar­ked by the inauguration of its local office in Karachi earlier this week.

The US-based technology giant opened the office on Tuesday, nearly four years after it first registered in the country, describing the move as a major milestone.

The funding, committed by Google.org, will support the “Digital Pasban” initiative, which aims to provide 200,000 households with Urdu-language safety toolkits, videos and parental workshops.

The programme is designed to work with local partners to equip young people and adults with the tools ne­­eded to build healthy online habits and confidently navigate digital risks.

Wilson White, Google’s vice president for public policy, said the digital world is wide and its threats are often invisible. He emphasised that a balancing act is needed to prevent cyberbullying, grooming and exposure to inappropriate content.

“We need to move from digital anxiety to digital confidence among the parents and children,” Mr White said during the launch ceremony.

Farhan Qureshi, Google’s cluster director for Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and frontier markets, said establishing the Karachi office will project a positive image of Pakistan in the global digital industry.

He noted the office will oversee business development and encourage more people to come online to learn, create and connect.

“Per capita investment in the digital industry is much higher in the digital space compared to other sectors, and Pakistan has huge potentials not only as content creators but also as game producers, freelancers and tech experts,” Mr Qureshi said.

“Pakistan is moving very fast, and digital adaptability too is very fast. There is a huge potential in the country.”

Following the investment annou­ncement and the office inaugurati­on, Google and the Pakistan Telecom­m­unication Authority signed a memorandum of understanding to further strengthen online safety for children.

According to a PTA press release, the agreement aims to bolster awareness, digital safety and the responsible use of online platforms among children, parents, teachers and carers nationwide.

The two organisations will collab­orate on a child safety programme focused on education and capacity-building.

PTA Chairman retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman highlighted the importance of sta­k­e­­holder collaboration to protect chil­­dren in an increasingly digital environment.

Speaking at the Digital Pasban la­­unch, he noted that the PTA receives around 500 complaints daily regarding inappropriate content and negative activities targeting children.

“Enforcement has to be strong, but preventive safeguards are nee­ded,” he said. He added that internet connectivity offers vast business potential and should not be restricted, though negative aspects must be contained.

“We have to be careful. Anything and everything in the name of freedom is not right, and this issue is being faced by Europe, Australia and other countries who have made age restrictions for social media,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2026