Islamabad: Legal experts, policymakers, educators and media professionals on Monday called for stronger institutional capacity, improved law enforcement and widespread public awareness to address the growing challenges of cybercrime and technology-based gender-based violence (GBV) in Pakistan.
Seminar focuses on cybercrime and online gender-based violence
The calls were made at a seminar titled “Securing Digital Lives: Cybersecurity, Gender-Based Violence and Digital Rights,” organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
Speakers warn of rising online risks amid weak enforcement
Speakers warned that rapid digitalization, weak enforcement of existing laws and low public awareness were exposing citizens particularly women and children—to serious online risks.
PTA highlights challenges in tackling cybercrime
Speaking as chief guest, Brig (R) Dr. Mukarram Ali Khan, Director General Cyber and Vigilance at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), acknowledged gender-based digital inequality and the challenges of protecting vulnerable users in cyberspace. He said many cybercrimes are committed using fake SIMs and highlighted PTA’s ongoing action against illegal SIM sellers. Dr. Khan stressed that website and platform blocking is carried out only on government directives, adding that Pakistan’s global digital rankings and child online protection efforts have improved. He also noted that the government is examining international models to regulate social media use for minors.
Balanced laws and governance stressed for digital safety
Dr. Shafqat Munir, Deputy Executive Director of SDPI, said cyberspace had become an unavoidable reality and emphasized the need for balanced laws, public awareness and responsible governance to ensure safe digital engagement.
Weak prosecution undermines deterrence against cybercrime
Supreme Court expert on criminal practice Advocate Malik Saqib Mahmood described cyberspace as an integral part of modern life, noting that violence in digital spaces reflects deeper societal problems. He pointed out that although punishments of up to 14 years’ imprisonment exist for certain cyber offences, weak prosecution and inconsistent judicial trends have reduced deterrence. He called for improved complaint mechanisms, swift redressal and a review of enforcement gaps, particularly regarding cognizable and non-cognizable cyber offences.
Education system urged to address digital harm early
Dr. Tabassum Naz, Director of the National Curriculum Council, said Pakistan’s response to digital harm remains largely reactive. She advocated a “whole-of-society” approach and noted that cyberbullying, identity theft and responsible digital behavior are included in the national curriculum. However, she stressed the importance of assessing behavioral outcomes and students’ mental development, adding that curriculum rationalization is underway in consultation with provinces.
Institutional capacity key to tackling online gender-based violence
Former IGP and Federal Secretary Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam warned that digital harm can cause long-term psychological damage and erode trust in institutions. He identified over-surveillance, selective policing and weak institutional capacity as key challenges, calling for stronger institutions, better-trained personnel and rehabilitation of victims through education and awareness.
Low conviction rates remain a major concern
Akram Mughal, Deputy Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), emphasized the need for greater public awareness of cyber laws. He noted that while the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 defines punishments, it remains reactive in nature. Pakistan’s cybercrime conviction rate stands at 3.7 percent, he said, compared to 2.7 percent in India, reflecting a global trend of low convictions. He called for separate data protection legislation and clearer institutional roles, with NCCIA focusing on investigation and PTA on regulation.
Digital rights framed as human rights issue
Executive Director of IRADA, Aftab Alam, described online abuse against women as “technology-based gender-based violence,” citing data showing that 1.5 billion women in low- and middle-income countries are connected to the internet. In Pakistan, he said, women’s access to smartphones and the internet remains significantly lower than men’s. Referring to Digital Rights Foundation data, he noted that nearly 20,000 complaints of online violence against women have been recorded, while conviction rates remain below one percent. He urged clearer legal definitions, particularly of cyber terrorism under PECA, and stressed that digital rights are recognized as human rights under the UN framework.
Media role and misuse of cyber laws highlighted
Senior journalist and anchorperson Tanzeela Mazhar warned that denial of gender-based violence and excessive regulation were major concerns. She cautioned against moral policing and selective justice, arguing that cyber laws are sometimes misused, undermining state credibility. She called for victim-friendly reporting mechanisms, stronger privacy protections and gender-sensitive jurisprudence, while emphasizing digital literacy and social awareness over censorship.
Participants call for awareness and stronger response mechanisms
During the question-and-answer session, participants underscored the need to enhance digital literacy, rebuild trust between citizens and institutions, and strengthen NCCIA’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging cyber threats.
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