Religious scholars’ help sought for safe, responsible use of internet

ISLAMABAD: Amid the rising hazards and online threats on the internet, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has sought the assistance from the religious scholars to foster safe and responsible use of the internet and social media in the country. 

The PTA organised a meeting with the prominent religious scholars of the country at its headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday, which marked a collaborative effort to address the challenges of social media and the internet while promoting a digital environment that aligns with cultural and religious values.

The meeting was attended by Islamic scholars from various schools of thought including Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz, Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Moulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, and Maulana Tariq Jameel, besides the senior PTA officers.

The event commenced with a welcome note from PTA's Web Analysis Division (WAD) director-general who provided an overview of PTA's initiatives.

PTA Chairman Maj General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman while addressing the audience, highlighted the pivotal role of religious scholars in guiding the masses toward ethical and responsible internet usage. He emphasised the potential for an even greater impact if the scholars lend their support to PTA through their own platforms.

An open-floor discussion and recommendation session provided a platform for active engagement and dialogue.

Key highlights of the meeting included a strong emphasis on educating the youth about responsible social media and internet usage, especially the critical role of parents in educating their children.

The teachings of the Holy Quran and Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were also highlighted as a guiding light in this endeavour.

Recognising the gravity of online threats such as anti-state, blasphemous and hate speech online, the meeting stressed that addressing them is the collective responsibility of the state, judiciary, PTA, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, the Federal Investigation Agency, and everyone else.

The scholars expressed their appreciation for the PTA's commitment and efforts in promoting safe and responsible internet usage and reassured their full cooperation and support to the regulator. This meeting marks the beginning of a series, towards collaborative efforts with respected Ulema to combat harmful and unlawful online content.