Pakistan has unveiled an advanced artificial intelligence system designed to combat online child exploitation, enhancing authorities’ ability to identify, assess, and investigate digital abuse across multiple platforms effectively.
The new tool, called Katalyst, is the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Interior, Narcotics Control Division, and the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement Programme, supported by the British High Commission.
Officials formally introduced the system at a high-profile Islamabad event, highlighting its potential to strengthen investigative processes and protect children from online sexual abuse using modern AI-driven technology.
Interior Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and NCCIA Director General Syed Khurram Ali attended the launch ceremony, emphasizing collaboration to tackle online child exploitation.
Talal Chaudhry described safeguarding children online as a “national duty” and highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in modernizing law enforcement while ensuring perpetrators are efficiently identified and held accountable.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening NCCIA, stressing that policy updates and institutional reforms must keep pace with rapidly evolving digital technologies to effectively counter cybercrime.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, NCRC Chairperson, urged all government departments to work together, highlighting cooperation with social media platforms, awareness campaigns, and a national plan to fight online child abuse.
The NCCIA Director General said that using AI will greatly enhance the agency’s ability to review cases, increasing monthly referrals from about 1,200 to over 100,000, with a focus on protecting children online.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott said online child abuse is a global problem and emphasized that protecting children is a top UK priority both at home and abroad.
She added that Katalyst demonstrates how AI can help and that the UK will continue working with Pakistan to fight online crime and protect children.