PM, Facebook COO discuss investment in Pakistan

Premier raises concerns about rise in online hate, extremism globally; acknowledges fighting it a big challenge

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday welcomed Facebook's investments and programmes in Pakistan, and encouraged the social media giant to increase its footprint in the country.

The prime minister acknowledged the immense potential of digital platforms like Facebook and the role they can play in providing global opportunities to the Pakistani youth and entrepreneurs, as well as how the opportunities they create can lift people out of poverty.

The premier’s statement came after his virtual meeting with Facebook Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sheryl Sandberg, held to discuss Facebook’s investments in Pakistan, the company’s support for digital literacy initiatives in the country and its work around Covid-19.

PM offers to share Ehsaas programme with India

In the meeting, PM Imran also raised concerns regarding the rise in hate and extremism around the globe and acknowledged that fighting hate speech online was a big challenge.The two discussed Facebook’s connectivity investments and research grants that were awarded to Pakistan-based academics this year.

Other topics discussed include Facebook’s blood donation tool that has seen more than 5 million people sign up since it was launched in the country. Facebook’s support for the government’s goal for a polio-free Pakistan was also brought under discussion.

In 2019, Facebook also partnered with the Ministry of IT’s Ignite program to support local startups through its Innovation Lab and Startup Circles programme. This partnership continues to run virtual workshops to mentor startups in Pakistan.

The prime minister and Sandberg also spoke about Facebook’s #SheMeansBusiness programme that is training some 6,700 women across Pakistan.

The meeting was also attended by Facebook’s VP for Global Affairs and Communications Nick Clegg and Head of Public Policy Pakistan at Facebook Sarim Aziz, along with Focal Person to the PM on Digital Media Dr Arslan Khalid.

Sandberg and Prime Minister Imran Khan had last met in Davos, Switzerland, in January of this year.