The Ghost in the Machine: Digital Harassment – Pakistan’s New Battleground for Gender Equality
The
Ghost in the Machine: Digital Harassment – Pakistan’s New Battleground for
Gender Equality
By Tahir Ali Shah
Just
this week, the fragile boundary between the digital world and reality was
tragically shattered in Islamabad. The life of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana
Yousaf, vibrant and full of promise, was brutally cut short. Allegedly, she
paid the ultimate price for repeatedly rejecting the online advances of a young
man, suffering the violence within the supposed safety of her own home. Sana's
story, while horrifying, is not an isolated incident. It serves as a stark
reminder that the online harassment women face daily can have devastating
real-world consequences. The threats whispered in direct messages, the images
shared without consent, and the relentless stalking through digital profiles
are not just virtual offenses; they are acts of violence that can spill over
into the physical world, leaving families shattered and communities in
mourning. Sana's name now joins a growing list, becoming a chilling testament
to the urgent need to recognize and combat digital harassment not merely as an
online nuisance but as a dangerous and deadly form of gender-based violence.
For those of us working on the front
lines of humanitarian aid, the fight for safety and dignity often unfolds in
tangible spaces—refugee camps, disaster zones, and communities grappling with
conflict. We recognize the visible scars of violence and the immediate needs
for shelter, food, and medical care. However, a new battleground is emerging,
one that is often unseen yet leaves equally devastating marks: the digital
realm. In Pakistan, this space has become increasingly perilous for women,
transforming the insidious issue of gender-based violence into a pervasive
online threat.
Imagine receiving a message that seems
harmless at first, but gradually turns threatening. A picture you shared
privately is now circulating among your contacts. You receive demands for money
under the threat of exposing intimate details. Your online activity is constantly
monitored and invaded. This is the reality of digital harassment faced by
countless women in Pakistan, a phenomenon that includes online bullying,
slut-shaming, blackmail, cyber stalking, and the non-consensual sharing of
intimate images.
Who are the perpetrators of these
chilling encounters? While digital harassment can affect anyone, women in
Pakistan are disproportionately targeted. The internet, intended to be a tool
for connection and empowerment, frequently becomes a weapon used to silence, shame,
and control women. The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), a notable organization
focused on online safety, handled an average of 264 new cases each month in
2024, with a significant majority related to cyber harassment. Alarmingly, a
considerable portion of these complaints came from areas with limited access to
formal cybercrime support, underscoring a critical gap in resources for the
most vulnerable individuals.
When did this shift occur? The rise of
affordable smartphones and widespread internet access in Pakistan has
undeniably created immense opportunities. However, this digital expansion also
has a darker side. Over the past decade, as more women have engaged online for
work, study, connection, and self-expression, the prevalence of digital harassment
has increased. The anonymity and perceived impunity of the internet embolden
perpetrators, often reflecting and amplifying existing patriarchal structures
and societal biases that women face offline.
Digital harassment is happening
everywhere, from bustling urban centers to remote rural villages; any location
with internet access can become a stage for such abuse. Social media platforms,
instant messaging apps, and online gaming communities are frequently identified
as hotspots for these violations. The very platforms designed for social
interaction are being misused to inflict emotional and psychological harm,
often leading to real-world consequences for the safety and well-being of
victims.
But why does this matter so deeply to
us as humanitarians and members of society? Digital harassment is not merely
about hurt feelings or online drama; it is a tangible form of gender-based
violence and a violation of fundamental human rights that can have devastating
impacts on a woman's life. It can lead to severe emotional distress, anxiety,
depression, and social isolation, and in extreme cases, even physical harm. The
fear of online exposure and the relentless nature of cyber stalking can force
women to withdraw from public life, limit their access to education and
employment, and ultimately undermine their autonomy and empowerment.
Pakistan has acknowledged the need to
address this issue through its Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of
2016. This law criminalizes various forms of online harassment, including the
dissemination of false information, the sharing of explicit images or videos
without consent, cyber stalking, and hacking for the purpose of stalking.
Penalties range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the nature and
severity of the offense.
However, concerns remain regarding the
effectiveness of these laws in tackling the issue of digital harassment.
Reports indicate that the Cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency
(FIA), the primary authority responsible for enforcing PECA, often lacks the
resources and capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute these cases,
especially given the high volume of complaints. Survivors frequently encounter
logistical, financial, and cultural barriers in seeking justice, further
complicated by limited access to cybercrime divisions, especially in remote
areas.
Additionally, the evolving nature of
technology and the sophisticated tactics employed by perpetrators often outpace
the legal framework and the capacity of law enforcement. Challenges in identifying
offenders, gathering digital evidence, and navigating jurisdictional
complexities continue to hinder the prosecution of digital harassment cases.
The
Stark Reality: A Look at the Numbers
The
statistics reveal the alarming scale of digital harassment in Pakistan and the
systemic challenges in addressing it.
|
Issue |
What
the Numbers and Realities Reveal |
|
Prevalence of Online Harassment |
Over 70% of women in Pakistan feel
unsafe online, and many have experienced harassment on platforms like
Facebook and WhatsApp. This was revealed in the Digital Rights Foundation’s
Cyber Harassment Helpline report.¹ |
|
Types of Harassment |
The most common forms include
cyberstalking, blackmail, non-consensual sharing of images or videos, and
gender-based hate speech. These tactics are often used to shame or silence
women’s voices.² |
|
Underreporting |
A majority of digital harassment
cases go unreported due to societal stigma, fear of victim-blaming, and lack
of faith in the legal process. A UN Women report found that only a small
percentage of women who experience online abuse formally report it.³ |
|
Complaints Filed |
Between 2020 and 2024, Pakistan’s
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing received over 639,000
complaints, many of them linked to online harassment and blackmail.⁴ |
|
Low Conviction Rates |
Out of 7,020 individuals arrested for
cybercrime offenses since 2020, only 222 were convicted, a conviction rate of
just 3.16%. Delays in legal processes, lack of digital forensic skills, and
procedural flaws are key reasons.⁵ |
|
Psychological Impact |
Victims of digital harassment often
suffer long-term mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and
social withdrawal. Many are forced to reduce or end their online presence for
safety.⁶ |
[1] Digital Rights Foundation 2. Online Violence Against Women in Pakistan 4. FIA Cyber Crime Wing Report
5. Conviction Rate of Cybercrime Cases Since 2020 at 2.16% 6. Digital Rights Foundation, Cyber Harrassment Helpline Report
Beyond our direct work, we need to
advocate for a more robust and effective legal and institutional response to
digital harassment in Pakistan. This includes:
·
Strengthening the capacity of law
enforcement agencies: Equipping them with the necessary
resources, training, and technology to effectively investigate and prosecute
digital harassment cases.
·
Improving accessibility to justice:
Expanding the reach of cybercrime support services to all regions of the
country and addressing the financial, logistical, and cultural barriers that
prevent [1]women
from seeking help.
·
Raising public awareness:
Educating communities about what constitutes digital harassment, its harmful
impact, and the available legal recourse.
·
Holding online platforms accountable:
Encouraging social media companies and internet service providers to implement
stronger measures to prevent and address online abuse and to cooperate
effectively with law enforcement.
·
Reviewing and updating cybercrime laws:
Ensuring that the legal framework remains relevant and effective in addressing
the evolving tactics of digital harassers, potentially exploring specific
regulations around the use of artificial intelligence in facilitating such
abuse.
The fight for gender equality in
Pakistan is not just about the physical world; it also includes the online
world. As our lives become more connected to the internet, we need to work hard
to protect women and ensure their dignity online. Digital harassment, which is
a new form of gender-based violence, is a serious issue that needs our
immediate attention. We must take informed steps and stay committed to making
the internet a safer place for everyone. Just like we oppose physical violence
and discrimination, we must also stand up against online harassment that tries
to silence and shame women in today’s digital world.
About the Author: Tahir Ali Shah is a humanitarian professional with over 20 years of experience managing protection and development programs across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He has worked extensively in refugee response, child protection, and humanitarian advocacy. He can be reached at tshaha@gmail.com
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