Ali Zafar wants ‘proper implementation’ of cyber laws to end ‘online vilification’

For the past week, the internet has been ablaze with heated debates about slanderous rumours and character assassinations of public figures. On January 3, singer-cum-actor Ali Zafar also took to Twitter to share his take on defamation, insisting that the cybercrime laws in Pakistan need to be "implemented properly" to eliminate the endless vilification online.

"Unless the defamation laws, especially the cybercrime laws on defamation under Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are implemented properly and decisions are made in days rather than years, you will keep seeing slander, mudslinging, and character assassination from all sides, everywhere, every day," penned the Jhoom crooner.

Zafar then opined that FIA's cybercrime unit "should be equipped and empowered with the latest technology and enhanced manpower" to make the process more transparent and efficient.

Moving on, the Teefa in Trouble actor detailed his experience with filing a defamation case. "I remember that in my case, it took the FIA two years to investigate and find the culprits guilty of an organised crime. However, the investigating officer was accused of harassment and the one who signed the FIR was suspended. The culprits got a stay from court with no consequence. Now that is privilege," recalled Zafar.

He also disclosed that the people in question were provided with unfair favours during the trial. "Laws were amended to protect one person and the gang with facilitations probably never seen in judicial history. The culprit didn't even have to come to court for cross examination like ordinary people, rather allowed to Skype or Zoom from the comfort of home," noted the Dear Zindagi star.

Zafar then concluded his Tweet by sharing the "death threats" he received regarding his children. "'Take the cases back or we know where your children go'. For some people, the same individuals are protectors of human rights," he added. 

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