The Government of Pakistan has launched an advanced artificial intelligence system named Katalyst, designed to combat online child exploitation and strengthen digital safety nationwide.

Developed through a collaboration between the Ministry of Interior, the Narcotics Control Division, and the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement Programme with support from the British High Commission, Katalyst aims to help authorities identify, assess, and investigate cases of online child abuse more efficiently.

Officials unveiled the system in Islamabad, emphasizing its potential to modernize law enforcement capabilities. Interior Minister of State Talal Chaudhry described protecting children online as a “national duty,” highlighting how AI can help identify perpetrators and improve investigation outcomes.

The Director General of the National Counter Child Abuse and Exploitation Authority (NCCIA), Syed Khurram Ali, stated that Katalyst could dramatically increase monthly case referrals from around 1,200 to over 100,000, significantly enhancing the agency’s child protection capacity.

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Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission for Child Rights (NCRC), underlined the importance of interdepartmental cooperation, coordination with social media platforms, awareness campaigns, and a national strategy to prevent online child abuse.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott praised the initiative, calling online child abuse a global challenge and lauding Katalyst as a model for how AI can help authorities fight crime and safeguard children. Officials said the system will serve as a key tool in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable populations from digital threats.