Parents must closely monitor their children’s activities, friendships and online interactions as extremist groups increasingly exploit digital platforms to influence young minds, former head of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Sindh Police, Raja Umar Khattab, said.
He was speaking as chief guest at a meeting of Hamdard Shura Karachi, titled “Innocent Children and the Growing Threat of Cybercrime”, held at Bahria Town Tower. Gen (retd) Moinuddin Haider presided over the meeting, which was attended by Sadia Rashid, president of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan, Syed Muhammad Arsalan, director, and Pakistan’s youngest data scientist, Amina Shahzad. Khattab said the fight against extremism was not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but began within families. He urged parents to remain aware of their children’s whereabouts, social circles and digital contacts, warning that extremist influences could take root even when youngsters appeared to lead normal lives. He said withdrawal from family members, changes in daily routines and suspicious online contacts could indicate exposure to harmful influences.
Rather than relying on restrictions, parents should build trust and encourage children to discuss unusual messages, contacts and personal concerns without fear. Dr Rizwana Ansari highlighted the psychological consequences of excessive screen use and cybercrime, saying screen addiction was weakening family relationships and affecting both children and adults. She said affected children could experience anxiety, insecurity, stress and low self-esteem, while their sleep, confidence and behaviour might also deteriorate.
Parents should watch for signs such as hiding phones, social isolation and anxiety after receiving messages. Ansari recommended encouraging outdoor activities and establishing family hours during which everyone puts away mobile phones. Gen (retd) Moinuddin Haider said digital technology had made communication easier but also increased risks involving surveillance, personal data theft, data trading and online manipulation.
Amina Shahzad said mobile phones and the internet had widened access to knowledge, ending the monopoly of a few countries over information and research. Zafar Iqbal, Muzaffar Ijaz, Dr Amir Tauseen, Cdre (retd) Sadeed Anwar Malik, Mubashir Mir, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Professor Dr Tanveer Khalid, Dr Jaffar Ahmed and Col (retd) Mukhtar Ahmed Butt also addressed the gathering.
