By Pervaiz Mughal
ISLAMABAD: National experts from government institutions, media, academia, technology sector, civil society and development organizations called for coordinated efforts to build an inclusive and trusted digital ecosystem in Pakistan.
They made these remarks at the Pakistan Digital Democracy Dialogue 2026, organized by Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP) in collaboration with Accountability Lab and DDI South Asia under the theme “Digital Pakistan for All: Trust, Rights and Responsible Innovation.”
The dialogue brought together stakeholders to discuss information integrity, digital civic space, artificial intelligence, digital governance and the future of digital transformation in Pakistan.
Speaking during the session, Presidential Spokesperson Murtaza Solangi highlighted the growing importance of information integrity in the digital age. He said digital platforms had expanded access to information but had also increased challenges related to misinformation and social polarization.
He stressed that democratic resilience required credible institutions, responsible media, informed citizens and continuous engagement among all stakeholders.
Brigadier Dr Muhammad Mukarram Khan, Director General of the Cyber Vigilance Division at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, said digital trust and cybersecurity had become essential components of national security. He emphasized the need to strengthen institutional capacity to counter cyber threats, online fraud, identity theft and emerging digital risks.
Professor Dr Yasar Ayaz, Chairman of the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, said artificial intelligence offered major opportunities in sectors including governance, education, healthcare and economic development. He called for investment in local AI research, ethical frameworks and skilled human resources to ensure technology benefited society.
