Pakistan Demonstrates Commitment to Responsible Digital Governance at IGF-2025
Pakistan reaffirmed its dedication to advancing digital inclusion, protecting citizens online, and promoting international cooperation during its active participation in the 20th Internet Governance Forum (IGF-2025) held in Lillestrom, Norway. Led by a delegation of key government and telecom officials, the country emphasized the importance of accountability for social media platforms and safeguarding digital sovereignty amid growing global challenges.
The Pakistani parliamentary delegation, headed by Senator Anusha Rahman and including Senators Falak Naz, Muhammad Aslam Abro, and Chairman PTA Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman, engaged in high-level discussions across various IGF tracks. A significant focus was placed on addressing issues related to misinformation, propaganda, and the regulation of online content.
During the Parliamentary Track panel, Senator Rahman posed critical questions concerning the mechanisms for social media companies to remove harmful content such as deepfakes and disinformation—especially when governments submit lawful takedown requests. She highlighted concerns over the conflicting interests between tech platforms’ commercial motives and citizens’ rights to safety and accurate information. Emphasizing that private platforms often resist content removal requests, she questioned how such conflicts impact overall public welfare.
Senator Rahman also expressed concern over the disproportionate power held by Western-headquartered social media giants, which often exercise unilateral judgment in accepting or denying government requests—an issue complicated by diverse cultural norms and legal frameworks. She underscored that online and offline freedoms must be anchored in national laws and constitutions, dismissing the notion that social media policies can supersede sovereign rights.
In addition, she called for a review of intermediary liability protections that currently shield platforms from legal accountability, suggesting that such immunity has led to lax content moderation and the weaponization of social media for malicious purposes. She warned that if global tech companies fail to respect sovereign laws, Pakistan might increasingly develop regional digital platforms and controlled access tools tailored to its citizens’ needs.
The delegation also participated in cybersecurity discussions, reaffirming Pakistan’s interest in multilateral efforts to enhance cyber risk management and promote collaborative security frameworks. This aligns with Pakistan’s broader digital diplomacy strategy, which is supported by legal and policy initiatives including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, the Digital Pakistan Policy of 2018, the Cyber Security Policy 2021, and active engagement with the UN-led AI Governance Dialogue.
Pakistan’s active engagement at IGF-2025 underscores its commitment to shaping a responsible and secure digital future, advocating for greater accountability of social media platforms and emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
