Pakistan has rolled out a new artificial intelligence–based investigative platform designed to strengthen efforts against online child sexual exploitation and abuse, officials announced in Islamabad on Friday.
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The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) unveiled the system, named Katalyst, which is intended to help authorities more effectively identify, assess, and investigate cases involving online child predators. The tool was developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control and the UK–Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement (UPSCALE) Programme, with funding from the British High Commission.
The launch ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and NCCIA Director General Syed Khurram Ali.
Speaking at the event, Chaudhry described safeguarding children from online exploitation as a national duty, stressing that the adoption of artificial intelligence demonstrates Pakistan’s resolve to modernize law enforcement and ensure offenders are held accountable. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening NCCIA, noting that policy and institutional reforms must evolve alongside rapid technological advancements.
National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq called for a coordinated, whole-of-government strategy to address online child abuse. She highlighted the commission’s ongoing engagement with social media companies, public awareness initiatives, and efforts to develop a comprehensive national policy to combat online exploitation.
NCCIA Director General Syed Khurram Ali said protecting children from digital harm remains a top priority for the agency. He explained that the introduction of AI technology would dramatically expand NCCIA’s capacity to process referrals received from the US-based National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), increasing the agency’s monthly review capability from around 1,200 cases to more than 100,000.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott described online child abuse as a transnational challenge requiring global cooperation. She said child protection is a central priority for the United Kingdom both domestically and internationally, adding that Katalyst illustrates how artificial intelligence can be applied for positive impact. Marriott reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan to disrupt criminal networks and create a safer digital environment for children.
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