(Dr. Sadia Khalid)
Pakistan is among the largest mobile phone users in Asia. The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has taken over internet regulation from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), working under the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Unfortunately, data from these agencies shows a concerning situation online, with issues like data breaches, false information, and disregard for religious and gender minorities.
In 2020, Pakistan ranked 79th in cybersecurity on the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), highlighting significant challenges in protecting users online. That year, the FIA’s cybercrime department received over 85,000 complaints, mostly related to investment scams, identity theft, and online harassment. The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) reported around 146 calls each month to their cyber harassment helpline, with 57% of these complaints coming from women and 30% from men. Punjab had the highest number of cases at 57%, followed by Sindh at 15%.
Young women aged 21 to 25 are the most affected by harassment. Alarmingly, people who experienced internet trolling were 1.9 times more likely to consider suicide. Almost 90% of university students in Pakistan reported being bullied online
The impact of digital abuse on women’s well-being is very concerning. Between 2018 and early 2024, reports of female harassment under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) increased, rising from 310 cases in 2018 to a peak of 11,723 in 2023. However, out of 27,867 complaints during this time, only 1,717 cases were officially registered, showing a low registration rate of about 6.2%.
The conviction rate is also alarmingly low. Only 67 of the 1,689 arrests led to convictions, which is just 0.24% of the total complaints. Data from 2024 indicates a further decline, with only 59 cases filed and 48 arrests made from 1,854 complaints. This indicated flaws in our laws and the role of law enforcement agencies in curbing cyber harassment and bullying against women.
District-wise data shows clear differences in cybercrime reporting across Pakistan. The Islamabad Cyber Crime Reporting Centre received 20,527 reports, while Lahore had the highest number of complaints, i.e., 33,729. Other areas, like Peshawar and Abbottabad, also reported many cybercrime cases. In total, there were 249,292 cybercrime cases registered, but this number slightly decreased from 140,595 in 2022 to 108,830 in 2023.
Cyber harassment, abuse, and bullying in Pakistan are covered by the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016. This law aims to tackle online harassment, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and unauthorized access to data. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is responsible for enforcing these laws and investigating complaints. However, there are significant gaps in both the law and its enforcement.
One major problem is the low registration and conviction rates for cybercrime cases. Despite many complaints, few cases lead to legal action, which shows a lack of trust in the system. Many victims hesitate to report incidents because they fear retaliation or believe their cases won’t be taken seriously. Additionally, law enforcement agencies often lack the training and resources needed to effectively handle cybercrimes. The complexities of online abuse also make it hard to gather evidence and build strong cases. This weakens prosecution efforts and allows wrongdoers to feel they can act with impunity.
Many digital rights activists and policy-makers demanded a uniform national strategy to address all types of cyber crimes. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Children (NCRC), stresses the need for a comprehensive approach. A.D. Khwaja, Federal Secretary for the Ministry of Human Rights, highlights the importance of extending initiatives to rural areas and raising awareness at the grassroots level. Rabia Javeri Agha, Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), stresses the need to empower women with knowledge about their rights.
Digital rights activist Sannum Habibullah criticizes current laws meant to protect women, arguing they often prioritize state interests over the rights of citizens. She further added that despite these challenges, there is hope that better collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international organizations can create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for women in Pakistan
To effectively combat cyber harassment in Pakistan, the government needs to make several important changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). First, the law should include specific sections that address all types of cyber crimes, such as cyberbullying, identity theft, data breaches, and online sexual exploitation. The penalties for these offenses should be increased.
Additionally, establishing special courts focused on cyber crimes can help speed up the legal process. These courts would have judges trained in cyber laws, ensuring they can handle cases effectively. It’s also important to launch a national awareness campaign to educate women about their rights under PECA, empowering victims to report incidents.
Finally, technology companies can help create safer online spaces by encouraging them to implement better security measures and work with law enforcement agencies. By taking these steps, Pakistan can create a safer digital environment for women so they don’t feel helpless against cyber crimes.
