POSITION PAPER

Cyber Bullying in Pakistan:

The Silent Menace
‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’

DR. SYED KALEEM IMAM

04 JULY 2024
 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR GOVERNANCE RESEARCH (CGR)

CGR is a forum for studies and debate on strategic and tactical issues related with good
governance and the rule of law. It is a non-governmental civil society advocacy Centre dedicated
to reforms in the justice and governance sectors.

As an independent think tank, CGR sets its own agenda, publishing and disseminating its
findings regularly for national and global audience. Using an interdisciplinary approach, CGR
brings together rule of law, justice and governance experts, researchers and internationally
renowned professionals to animate its debate and research activities.

CGR aims to stand out as one of rare Pakistani think tanks to position itself at the very heart of
debate on governance and justice issues.

CGR focuses on advocacy, research and studies in the following areas:

• Governance and Rule of Law

• Public Policy

• Policing and Justice Sectors

• Serious and Organized Crimes

• Counterterrorism and Counter Extremism (CT and CE)

Meanwhile, the National Initiative against Organized Crime (NIOC) continues as a flagship
project from the platform of the Centre for Governance Research (CGR).

***

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

CGR would like to acknowledge that this position paper has been written by Dr Syed Kaleem
Imam, former Inspector General of Police and Federal Secretary Narcotics Division.

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CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

Position Paper

Cyber Bullying in
Pakistan: The Silent
Menace
‘An ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure’

BY
DR. SYED KALEEM IMAM

Introduction
In the age of virtual reality, where the world
seems just a tap away, we now face a growing
issue - cyberbullying. This development
infiltrates the online domain through
harassment and intimidation tactics on various
online forums such as social media, instant
messages, electronic mails, and other grids. It is
more than just an inoffensive internet prank; it
is insidious, transcending physical boundaries
unlike traditional harassment, and invading
victim’s cybernetic space (PACER, 2022).
However, cyberbullying is distinguished by its
anonymity, as perpetrators mask identities to
intimidate victims with impunity. The tactics
employed by a cyberbully are extensive and
perilous, ranging from impersonation and
cyberstalking to phishing (disclosing personal
credentials by clicking on hostile links), trolling
(sarcasm, insults), and outing (revealing
personal information non-consensually).
These web assaults, whether through abusive
and insolent remarks or data leakage, imprint
psychological wounds on victims.
3
 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

Cyberbullying has become a global challenge, the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), over 146
with countries like India and Brazil reporting monthly calls have been reported by their cyber
high prevalence. Around 37% of internet harassment helpline, with 57% of the objections
users in India and 29% in Brazil have reported raised by women and 30% by men. Punjab
being cyberbullied (Cook, 2024). Pakistan, constitutes 57% of the documented instances,
not exempt, has witnessed a surge in internet followed by Sindh with 15% (The Nation, 2023).
penetration and social media use, with 76.38
The most alarming aspect of the DRF’s review
million online users (Bhatti, 2022). The increase
is the demographic segment between 21 and
in internet consumption has corresponded
25, with mostly victims in the youth segment.
with a rise in cyberbullying cases. A 2019 study
The increase in online stalking cases coincided
by Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) illustrates
with the onset of coronavirus pandemic and
that Pakistan has reported 45% of cyberbullying
improvement in digital inclusion. Individuals
cases (Jamal, 2020). Thus, online intimidation
who experienced internet trolling were therefore
has emerged as a serious peril to online society's
1.9 times more likely to consider suicide.
well-being.
Almost 90% of Pakistani university students
Cyberbullying in Pakistan have also reported cyber bullying, with affluent
classes being more exposed (Ibid). Moreover, the
Evolution and Trends
impact of digital abuse on women’s well-being,
In Asia, Pakistan has one of the largest mobile especially female journalists, is unsettling.
phone user bases. National Cyber Crimes Figures reveal that 9 out of 10 female journalists
Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has recently in Pakistan have been exploited by internet
replaced the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) bullying, and 40% of the female demographic
as head of internet guidelines in Pakistan, which has been exposed to it.
is governed by the Pakistan Telecommunication
Child pornography is used as a weapon to
Authority (PTA). Data compiled by these
intimidate or manipulate juvenile victims
authorities shows contentious measures among
escalating their victimization and exploitation.
internet users, ranging from data breaches,
From 2021 to 2023, through an in-depth
propaganda, and the marginalization of
analysis of cyberbullying instances in Pakistan,
religious and gender minorities. According to
out of 464 documented cases, only 184 were
the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), released
formally recorded. This contained 312 local
by the International Telecommunication Index
complaints, 150 via CyberTipline, and 2
in 2020, Pakistan ranks 79th in cybersecurity,
from external referrals, signaling potentially
highlighting the country's engagement in
rigorous registration requirements or screening
cybers protection among the signatories.
mechanisms within the legal protocol.
In 2020, FIA’s cybercrime department lodged
While 225 arrests were conducted from the
over 85,000 complaints, primarily concerning
184 reported incidents, the below-average
investment scams, counterfeit profiles,
conviction rate of only 23 rulings reinforces the
credential theft, false accusations, bigotry, cyber
significant barriers in procuring satisfactory
4 shakedown, and cyber blackmail. According to
evidence for effective prosecutions in
 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

pornography cases. Furthermore, the acquittal a total of 33,729. In Sindh, the Hyderabad
ratio of 31 compared to convictions underline division registered the most complaints with a
the dilemmas in proving cyberbullying charges total of 6,205. In Balochistan, Quetta division
and handling online evidence. From 2021 experienced maximum complaints with 2,854.
to 2023, out of a total of 134,669 registered In Gilgit-Baltistan, the Gilgit division recorded
complaints, approximately 80.7% were from 1,222 complaints, leading in the region. Azad
males, while approximately 19.3% were from Jammu and Kashmir saw a notable trend, with
females. Only 4 complaints were reported from Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions reporting
transgender individuals. 985 and 681 complaints, respectively.
From 2018 to early 2024, female harassment Collectively, there were 249,292 cybercrime
claims under the Prevention of Electronic cases registered, with 140,595 in 2022 and
Crimes Act (PECA) Act 2016 marked a 108,830 in 2023, highlighting a minor dip in the
significant increase, rising from 310 in 2018 count of complaints over the two-year period.
and peaked to 11,723 in 2023. However, out of
a total of 27,867 complaints during this period, Factors Contributing to
only 1,717 cases were registered, indicating a Cyberbullying
low registration rate of approximately 6.2%. Cyberbullying is an escalating challenge in
Similarly, while 1,689 arrests were made, only Pakistan, and enforcement bodies confront
67 convictions were secured, reflecting a low various difficulties in adeptly resolving it.
conviction rate of roughly 0.24% relative to the
total complaints and about 3.9% relative to the Political Factors:
registered cases.
The legal foundation regulating cyber offense
The latest data for 2024 depicted a notable in Pakistan remains embryonic and encounters
decline in all categories, with only 59 cases repeated amendments. While the application
registered and 48 arrests made from 1,854 of PECA reflected a promising growth, critics
complaints, and just 4 convictions. This suggests posit that it elevates national interests over
inconsistent enforcement and underreporting individual privileges. This contrast discourages
or simply partial year data. victims from registering incidents of digital
abuse due to perceived state intervention.
District wise, the Islamabad Cyber Crime
Reporting Center accumulated 20,527 reports, Cyberbullying, although a key problem, is often
with 10,449 in 2022 and 10,078 in 2023. In suppressed by more critical issues in Pakistan,
the Hazara division of KP province, the Cyber such as militancy and economic fragility. The
Crime Reporting Center in Abbottabad received lack of political stability and polarization results
a total of 3,921 cybercrime claims, with 1,997 in in a funding deficit and resource deployment
2022 and 1,924 in 2023. The complaint volume, for authorities tasked with combating
a total of 12,666, was highest in Peshawar. cybercrime. Corruption within enforcement
agencies further escalates the predicament as it
In Punjab, the Cyber Crime Reporting Centers
disrupts inquiries (Haque et al., 2023). This is
observed major activity particularly in Lahore
which had the maximum complaints with
exacerbated by limited resources or incentives 5
 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

to pursue cases of digital victimization. Thus, and necessary funding, law enforcement
lack of transparency within the framework struggles to curb and conduct cyberbullying
promotes unreported cases within the society. investigations.

Economic Factors: Impact of Cyberbullying on

A significant obstacle in addressing Families and Communities
cyberbullying in Pakistan arises from poor Cyberbullying's reach spans far and wide
digital aptitude prevalent among a substantial beyond the victim, spreading anxiety within
demographic. The gap in digital literacy leads families and communities in Pakistan.
to online frauds and deception, increasing
vulnerability to cyberbullying. Without Stress on Victim
appropriate insights of web safety precautions, Victims of online bullying mostly suffer severe
users may have difficulty in acknowledging and psychological distress, leading to despair,
reacting to cyberbullying cases positively. desolation, rage and humiliation. It can spark
Furthermore, socioeconomic factors such as depression, anxiety, and a sense of alienation
frustration stemming from economic hurdles, as and estrangement. In extreme cases, the
well as shortage of resources and infrastructure negativity can generate suicidal thoughts. These
within law enforcement, delay the effective non-stop attacks can also undermine a victim’s
alleviation of cyber harassment. This includes self-esteem, making them apprehensive of
scarcity of e-discovery tools and a shortage of using technology and distrustful of the online
skilled cybercrime specialists. Under-resourced world.
security forces experience setbacks to recognize
criminals and ensure accountability, further
Effect on Family
amplifying the rate of cyber aggression in the The emotional strain of online harassment is
country. not limited to the victim alone; it is perceivable
throughout the family. Witnessing loved ones in
Social Factors this ordeal can leave families feeling vulnerable,
Societal pressures breed insecurities, resulting infuriated, and terrified, jeopardizing family
in cyberbullying those individuals who are ties. Victims may become introverted and
perceived as atypical. The absence of strong social isolated, further avoiding communication
networks, both online and in-person, leaves within relationships.
victims defenseless to such attacks. Likewise,
a lack of familiarity about web protocols along
Bearing on Community
with normalization of cyberbullying habits In the wider context, cyber victimization
within certain social circles promotes a haven pollutes the ambience, primarily for youth. It
conducive for this notorious behavior. promotes fear and suppresses open discussions
and dialogues. Internet anonymity aggravates a
These determinants create an environment
bystander effect, with communities unwilling
where cyberbullying prospers. Without resilient
to assist as they fear victimization. This spurs
6 statutory provisions, administrative dedication,
a culture of skepticism, where uncertainty
 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

prevails. In some communities, victims undergo Pakistan

social exclusion or even held accountable,
PECA, enacted by the National Assembly of
deepening their social alienation and emotional
Pakistan in 2016, serves as Pakistan's legal
distress.
framework for approaching digital abuse
Notable Cases and other electronic breaches. Section 21
fines online antics that harm reputation and
Several noteworthy cases of online bullying compromises privacy, punishable by up to 7
have occurred in Pakistan. In 2016, shortly years imprisonment or a hefty fine. Similarly,
after the implementation of PECA, an assistant Section 22 enforces similar punishments for
professor was detained for harassing a female falsification and propagation of explicit content
teacher online. A teacher issued a complaint involving minors. Cyberbullying is recognized
after being intimidated on social media through as a misdemeanor under PECA, with policies
five fabricated profiles. This case underscored covering defamation, privacy infringement,
the importance of new law, safeguarding victims and circulation of disturbing content (Ministry
from online abuse. PECA includes clauses for of Law and Justice, 2022).
punishment of up to one year in prison or a
hefty fine for misconducts like manipulation, Recently, PECA proposes to update the legal
inappropriate distribution of private pictures framework, but sustaining a symmetry between
and sending obscene messages (Esmezyan, online protection and privacy rights remains
2016). challenging (Pakistan Today, 2024). While
PECA provides a legal roadmap for grassroots
In 2020, Fatima Aamir, became a victim of awareness and ensuring prompt execution,
digital intimidation and received rape and enhancing web security are important next
murder threats for four years (Bokhari, 2020). steps.
However, the culprit was finally detained
following public uproar. Similarly, Bina Shah, Despite efforts to address cyber harassment
a Pakistani author and columnist faced cyber and advocate for freedom of speech and
harassment in 2014 when an individual created privacy protections, PECA is impeded by
a fake Twitter profile with her pictures. The public ignorance about online security laws
perpetrator, impersonating Shah, contacted and digital entitlements compromising PECA’s
people she was acquainted with, both online effectiveness.
and in-person, and harassed them. PECA assigns investigative and judicial
E-security intrusions have had fatal assignments for cybercrime to the Federal
repercussions in Pakistan, with content Investigation Agency (FIA), including felonies
fabrication being a key contributor to the committed through electronic means. Court
problem. One renowned case involved Dr. Amir proceedings for these violations happen in
Liaquat, a prominent presenter and politician, Courts of Sessions and higher courts, overseen
who succumbed to suspected suicide following by judges who are trained in cyber insights,
the leak of private videos. forensics, web transactions, and data integrity.
Also, the Pakistan Telecommunication
Legal Framework: Addressing Cyberbullying in Authority (PTA) regulates telecommunications 7
 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

entities and has the permission to bar illegal threats, the need for international cooperation
content. is paramount. UNICEF is working to
promote cyber safety awareness. Based on an
In 2021, Pakistan made significant progress in
international survey on youth discussions,
bolstering online security with the release of
UNICEF issued a call to action on Safer
its first National Cyber Security Policy. This
Internet Day. The poll received over 1 million
framework aims to handle critical cyber risks
responses from 160 countries. The survey
nationwide and construct a digital domain
showed that young people valued kindness as
for both government and private areas. The
defense against cyberbullying. This priority on
plan summarizes a blueprint for achieving
youth-driven approaches and a constructive
milestones in internet security, including
online protection approach corresponds well
virtual governance, digital solutions, human
with Pakistan's initiatives to collaborate with
resources, and public awareness (Government
global forums.
of Pakistan, 2021). The guideline prioritizes
forceful cybersecurity structures and Notwithstanding its progress, Pakistan also
establishments. It also highlights confidentiality needs to embrace the Budapest Convention,
measures, digital privacy, and development of a multilateral pact designed to combat online
public understanding and skilled personnel to offenses and stimulate global partnership in
mitigate cyber risks. fighting cyber law violations. As a pioneering
pact on cybercrime, this treaty was ratified by
To ensure effective enforcement, the policy
68 countries as of June 2024. The Convention
implements a Cyber Governance Policy
addresses a spectrum of cybercrimes, including
Committee. This committee encourages
unauthorized infiltration into digital systems,
partnership between state, corporations,
hacking, data fraudulence, and child sexual
and civil society. The multidimensional
exploitation content. It promotes cross-
strategy includes preemptive protection of
border alliance among participant states in
online platforms, securing national data and
investigating and litigating these breaches
infrastructure, and facilitating public-private
through joint evidence sharing and collective
cooperation. The committee also emphasizes
legal cooperation.
capacity building, cybersecurity research and
innovation, and broadening public awareness Pakistan’s non-participation in the treaty
about cyber-attacks. poses significant challenges in successfully
curbing international internet crimes.
Furthermore, the Digital Rights Foundation
Without participation, PECA lacks the
(DRF) advocates cyber safety practices through
necessary infrastructure to deal with cyber
lobbying. This NGO aims to build reliable
offenders operating from foreign jurisdictions.
digital policy, with a focus on women’s rights
International authorities cannot aid Pakistan
in internet forums. They achieve this by
in gathering evidence, locating, tracing, and
supporting pertinent policies and spreading
intercepting cyber intrusions from other
knowledge about electronic security and
countries. This lack of global partnership limits
safeguarding women from internet harassment.
Pakistan's potential to handle cyber breaches
8 Acknowledging the universality of digital cases overseas.
 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

The Convention could provide a platform media campaigns, and collaborations with
for formulating improved frameworks and influencers to raise awareness.
ordinances, augmenting forensic expertise
Cybersecurity Education: This should be
and investigative abilities. While there are
integrated into institutes programs to teach
apprehensions about confidentiality and data
employees about safe online practices,
autonomy, opting out of any international
recognizing cyberbullying, and responding to
cybercrime agreement could impede Pakistan's
it. Anti-bullying measures can help prevent
ability to confront the escalating danger of
cyberbullying
cross-border cybercrimes and synchronize with
international initiatives (Mahmood, 2022). For Internet Users: Constructive
communication, respectful dialogue, and
Keeping up with cyberbullies' evolving tactics
considerate interactions are crucial to creating
requires continuous legal reform and policy
a reliable online environment. Online content
updates. For cyberbullying to be effectively
must be considered before it is circulated.
combated, PECA should be regularly reviewed
A proactive approach is needed to address
and updated
internet harassment. Informing the designated
Preventing Cyberbullying: Strategies and authorities of such incidents and offering
Recommendations assistance to the victim are essential steps.
Support groups and counselling services should
Here are some viable strategies for
be established for cyberbullying victims.
acknowledging, preventing, and responding to
cyberbullying incidents: Role of Tech Companies: Companies in the
technology sector must play a vital role in
Parental guidance: Children need open
preventing and addressing cyberbullying.
communication from their parents in order
Among the steps involved are implementing
to be protected. Encourage your children to
vigorous reporting mechanisms, incorporating
report cyberbullying incidents by engaging
artificial intelligence to detect harmful content,
in transparent discussions about their online
and promoting digital literacy among users.
interactions, informing them about privacy
settings and the dangers of sharing sensitive Cross-Border Collaboration: Cyberbullying,
information online. which often transcends borders, requires
international cooperation. International
Schools’ Protocols: A safe environment for
cybercrime forums and treaties, such as the
disclosure and awareness can help schools tackle
Budapest Convention, should be engaged by
cyberbullying. The first step is to establish clear
Pakistan for cross-border collaboration
channels and protocols for reporting. Schools
should help victims and perpetrators, focusing Law Enforcement: For law enforcement to
on education and rehabilitation. effectively combat cyberbullying, they must
have cybersecurity forensics, investigation
Awareness Campaign: The public should be
skills, and legal knowledge. Schools and
educated on cyberbullying through public
internet services should collaborate to create
awareness campaigns. Cyberbullying awareness
campaigns should include workshops, social
transparent reporting structures, empowering
9
 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

victims and enabling bystander intervention. A educational endeavors, and societal support. It
variety of initiatives, such as seminars, public is not only about protecting people but building
service announcements, and crisis lines, can a respectful online culture where everyone can
aid in preventing cyberbullying. Detection thrive. By promoting awareness, enforcing
and prevention of incidents are essential with deterrent strategies for malicious behavior, and
online platforms. extending help to victims, we can empower
digital citizenship where everyone feels safe to
Conclusion participate.
Cyberbullying requires a collective effort to Bottomline: ‘Together, we can turn the tide
cultivate a secure and holistic digital landscape. against cyberbullying and create a safer digital
This approach incorporates legal ramifications, world for all’

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 CYBER BULLYING IN PAKISTAN: THE SILENT MENACE

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Women. Paradigm Shift. https://www.paradigmshift.com.pk/cyberbullying-in-pakistan/
• Bokhari, A. (2020). Silent Battles: How Pakistani Women Counter Harassment in Cyberspace.
Thediplomat.com. https://thediplomat.com/2020/10/silent-battles-how-pakistani-women-
counter-harassment-in-cyberspace/
• Cook, S. (2024, January 10). Cyberbullying Statistics and Facts for 2016 - 2018 | Comparitech.
Comparitech; Comparitech. https://www.comparitech.com/internet-providers/cyberbullying-
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• Data retrieved from FIA Cyber Crime Wing
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Global-Citizen.com. https://global-citizen.com/business/social-business/cyber-bullying-
women-pakistan-nighat-dad/
• Government of Pakistan. (2021). National Cyber Security Policy 2021. https://moitt.gov.pk/
SiteImage/Misc/files/National%20Cyber%20Security%20Policy%202021%20Final.pdf
• Haque, E. U., Abbasi, W., Murugesan, S., Anwar, M. S., Khan, F., & Lee, Y. (2023). Cyber
Forensic Investigation Infrastructure of Pakistan: An Analysis of the Cyber Threat Landscape
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cyberbullying.org/Cyberbullying-Identification-Prevention-Response-2019.pdf
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convention
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sg-jjjjjjjjjjjjj
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cyberbullying/
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• Saleem, S., Khan, N. F., & Zafar, S. (2021). Prevalence of cyberbullying victimization
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•

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Syed Kaleem

Imam is a former
civil servant,
known for
his extensive
contributions in
law enforcement,
academics, and
organizational
development.
He has a PhD
in Politics and
International Relations and an LLM in Human
Rights Law from SOAS, UK, master’s in
philosophy.

He held the position of Inspector General of

Police (IGP) in several regions such as Punjab,
Islamabad, and Sindh, further serving twice
on the National Highways and Motorways. As
the Federal Secretary of the Narcotics Control
Ministry, he played a key role in formulating
national policies that harmonized with
international strategies.

He has been the Chief of Operations in

Mozambique, Planning Coordinator in Liberia,
and UN Police Commissioner in Darfur, Sudan.
His service was honored with three UN peace
medals, the Quaid Azam Police Medal, the
President’s Police Medal, and the Sitara Imtiaz
and Tamagha-i-Imtiaz.

Moreover, Imam has been instrumental

in shaping academic discourse through
his numerous national and international
publications to his credit and frequently
participating in public forums, training
institutes, and media outlets. Besides being
a security analyst, he is also a law and
governance consultant, a strategist, and a
policy practitioner.