NCSW, NCERT Sign Landmark MoU To Combat Online Abuse Of Women, Children In Pakistan

National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT-PKCERT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at protecting women and children from rising cyber threats and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jul, 2025) National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT-PKCERT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at protecting women and children from rising cyber threats and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

The agreement marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to create a safer digital environment for vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, who are disproportionately targeted by online harassment, exploitation, and abuse.

“Online safety is no longer a secondary concern—it is a fundamental human right,” said Ume Laila Azhar, Chairperson of NCSW, during the signing ceremony on Thursday.

“As digital spaces become an extension of our homes, workplaces, and schools, we must ensure they are free of violence and discrimination. We owe it to the women and girls of Pakistan to stand firm against all forms of digital abuse.”

Under the new partnership, NCSW and NCERT will collaborate on multiple fronts: launching awareness campaigns tailored for women, children, parents, and educators; developing user-friendly cybersecurity tools; conducting research; pushing for policy reforms; and organizing capacity-building programs for key stakeholders. The initiative also includes youth engagement through internship and learning opportunities.

NCERT Director General Haider Abbas emphasized the need for comprehensive digital protection. “Women and children must be equipped, informed, and protected against digital threats,” he said. “Our teams will work jointly to build a more resilient and secure digital landscape.”

The collaboration comes at a time when digital usage in Pakistan is surging, especially among young people, making cyber hygiene and online safety a growing concern. The rise of TFGBV—harassment, stalking, doxxing, and threats facilitated through technology—has prompted rights groups to call for urgent institutional action.

Experts say this MoU has the potential to set a precedent for public-sector cooperation on digital safety, particularly through its survivor-centered and rights-based approach. By addressing online abuse at both preventive and policy levels, the initiative aims to ensure that the internet remains a safe space for learning, expression, and empowerment.

The agreement aligns with the broader vision of a "Digital Pakistan"—a secure, inclusive, and equitable digital ecosystem. For advocates of digital rights and gender justice, the partnership offers a long-awaited step forward in confronting one of the country’s most pressing yet under-addressed challenges.