Online harassers to pay the piper

Govt to set up cybercrime unit, patrol, academy

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a plan to set up a provincial cybercrime unit to address the growing issue of harassment and blackmailing on social media, particularly targeting children and women.

It was decided during a meeting that mobile units would be set up to facilitate boys and girls affected by online harassment and blackmailing, enabling them to lodge complaints without visiting police stations or offices.

Victims, especially women and children, will also be able to lodge complaints through a virtual police station, the cybercrime unit front desk and a mobile application while ensuring confidentiality of their identity.

According to a statement, the government has also decided to introduce strict legislation to ensure exemplary punishment for perpetrators of social media harassment and blackmailing.

In this regard, work has commenced on the initial draft of the Punjab Online Safety Act 2026, which will soon be presented for approval.

It was also resolved in the meeting to establish a cyber patrol wing and cyber police academy under Punjab Police.

Additionally, an advanced intelligence system will be introduced for social media surveillance. The chief minister directed authorities to adopt a proactive approach to curb cybercrime and ensure robust data protection measures.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said cybercrime posed a serious challenge and safeguarding the young generation remained a top priority.

She emphasised that modern technology and tools would be fully utilised to protect girls from blackmailing, while urging parents to closely monitor their children's social media use.

She asserted that no one had the right to intrude upon the privacy of others and reaffirmed the government's commitment to bringing cyber criminals to justice and setting a strong precedent.

Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi called on PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The leaders exchanged views on the political and economic situation of the country. Governor Hashmi congratulated the leadership on Pakistan's role in facilitating the Iran–United States ceasefire. He also expressed his gratitude to Nawaz Sharif for his trust.

Earlier in April, 2025, the Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have agreed to establish a joint Cyber Patrolling Unit to detect and prevent online harassment.

The initiative was announced during a high-level meeting chaired by PWPA Chairperson Hina Parvez Butt.

Chairperson Hina Parvez Butt had stated that the Cyber Patrolling Unit would actively monitor digital platforms, including social media, to detect and prevent incidents of online harassment, blackmail, and the dissemination of inappropriate content targeting women.

"We are committed to creating a safer digital environment for every woman in Punjab," said Hina Parvez Butt. The unit will not only enhance online monitoring but also provide legal assistance to victims, streamline FIR registration, and improve follow-up mechanisms in cybercrime cases.

The initiative also includes public awareness campaigns and digital literacy programmes aimed at equipping women with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves online.

This development aligns with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's firm stance on crimes against women.

She has declared such acts as a "red line" and has reaffirmed her administration's zero-tolerance policy in this regard.