Anusha Calls for Improving Int’l Cooperation to End Harmful Use of ICTs in Cyberspace

The Information Ministry of Pakistan, yesterday suggested for increased cooperation between states and other relevant stakeholders to reinforce security in the filed of information and communication technologies (ICTs); as their harmful use in cyberspace has raised risks for the users. Information Technology Minister Anusha Rehman Khan informed the U.N. General Assembly, which is considering the application of ICTs ten years after the historic world summit. She said that:

“Use of cyberspace by criminals and terrorists cannot be permitted and we, as responsible members of the global community, must ensure that such elements do not operate in cyberspace to further their nefarious designs.”

Anusha Calls for Improving Int’l Cooperation to End Harmful Use of ICTs in Cyberspace

In her speech in Assembly the Minster said that:

“The growing menace has serious implications for international peace and security.”

Mrs. Rehman Khan recommended a cooperative approach to oppose the attacks against this critical infrastructure and highlighted the importance of cyberspace management under an institutional framework for betterment of all. Anusha said that:

“The global community needs to agree on minimum standards of protection for human dignity particularly for women and children being the most vulnerable communities of the cyberspace.”

Mogens Lykketoft, General Assembly President, in the opening note said that:

“Since the 2005 World Summit, when leaders had declared a common desire and commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society, huge progress had been made in the information and communications technology (ICT) field. However, challenges remained, such as the digital divides among countries, as well as Internet security and human rights issues.”

In her remarks, Anusha Rehman Khan said:

“Our Government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif fully realizes the potential of ICTs to spur socio-economic growth.” Pakistan, she said, considered it as a key enabler to achieve efficiency, transparency, good governance and empowering the people. “We are pursuing with the vision of accelerated digitization to transform Pakistan into a knowledge based economy.”

The Minister said ICT is a true driver of economic growth and Pakistan has realized the significance of this great opportunity.  Pakistan has now 23.6 million broadband with 20 million 3G/4G users; which is a clear sign of country’s progress.