PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman has called for cybersecurity awareness to become a continuous national effort, warning that cyberattacks are no longer occasional incidents but a constant threat. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of Cyber Security Awareness Week 2026, organised by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
A Continuous Threat, Not an Annual Event
The PTA chairman stressed that cybersecurity awareness should not remain limited to an annual event. “Cybersecurity is an integral part of the country’s overall security ecosystem,” he said, adding that cyberattacks are now a continuous threat rather than one-off incidents.
He said the government could make policies and regulators could enforce rules, but public awareness and confidence were equally important for keeping digital systems secure. “People must have confidence that our systems are secure,” he said.
Why Awareness Matters Now
The chairman pointed to the scale of digital life in the country. Almost 100 million people in Pakistan use social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and TikTok. More than 1,500 million videos are viewed on TikTok in Pakistan every day.
He observed that digital technology has changed daily routines, with mobile phones and social media becoming a central part of people’s lives. He added that the government has taken initiatives in 5G and artificial intelligence so the country keeps pace with developed nations, and that emerging technologies offer major opportunities, especially for young people.
Secure Systems for a Digital Economy
Highlighting the government’s vision of a cashless economy and a digital society, the chairman said secure digital systems are essential for transparent and efficient digital governance and economic activity. He stressed the need to extend cybersecurity awareness to every corner of the country and to educate citizens about the risks that come with digital connectivity.
He also underlined the PTA’s work against cyber threats, digital fraud and misinformation, and its focus on public awareness and cooperation between agencies. He thanked the PTA team, telecom operators and industry partners for their efforts to strengthen the security of the telecom sector, and said cybersecurity was not about winning awards or certificates but about a shared responsibility for a safe digital future.
What Users Should Take From This
For ordinary mobile users, the message is practical: staying safe online is a daily habit, not a one-week campaign. That means being careful with unknown links and messages, protecting accounts, and treating offers that look too good to be true with suspicion. The chairman’s warning about digital fraud and misinformation is directly relevant to phone users, who are the first target of most scam messages and fake calls.
FAQs
Who made the cybersecurity call?
PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman, at the closing ceremony of Cyber Security Awareness Week 2026.
When was the closing ceremony held?
On 31 October 2026.
Who organised Cyber Security Awareness Week 2026?
The PTA, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
How many people use social media in Pakistan, according to the chairman?
Almost 100 million, across platforms including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and TikTok.
Why does the chairman want year-round awareness?
Because cyberattacks are a continuous threat, not occasional incidents, and public awareness is as important as government policy and regulation.
What did he say about digital fraud?
He highlighted the PTA’s initiatives against cyber threats, digital fraud and misinformation, and called for awareness to reach every corner of the country.
Conclusion
The PTA chairman’s message is simple: a week of awareness is not enough when the threat never stops. As more of daily life, payments and government services move online, keeping users informed and confident in digital systems becomes part of national security itself. The test now is whether the awareness drive continues beyond the closing ceremony and reaches users in every city and village.
