A shocking investigation by Hum Investigates has revealed a disturbing surge in cybercrimes in Pakistan, with 1.8 million women falling victim to online harassment and abuse over the past five years. Official data shows that four major institutions received over 2.7 million complaints related to digital crimes during this period, with 80% of these complaints involving women and children.
Despite 18,000 complaints filed by women with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), police, and the Federal Ombudsman, only 8,000 cases were registered, resulting in 11,000 arrests and a mere 225 convictions—a conviction rate of just 3.5%.
The investigation highlights the lack of justice for victims, with 96% of affected women failing to receive any form of redress. Many victims faced immense psychological and social trauma, and when they approached law enforcement agencies, their cases were either ignored or inadequately addressed.
Deepfakes and Social Media Crimes on the Rise
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has exacerbated the problem, with deepfake technology being used to create and spread fake content. A recent example involved a deepfake video of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz shaking hands with a UAE dignitary during an official visit, which was edited and circulated online, prompting an official protest from the UAE.
Deepfakes and unauthorized explicit images have become a growing concern, with 51,000 complaints related to such content filed over the past three years, predominantly by women. These manipulated visuals are often used to spread misinformation, defame individuals, and exploit victims.
Economic and Social Impact
The investigation also uncovered that cybercrimes have caused economic losses amounting to 700 billion rupees over the past five years, with hundreds of lives ruined by online fraud, harassment, and defamation. The FIA’s Cybercrime Wing received 639,000 complaints between 2020 and 2024, with 414,260 verified cases leading to 73,825 inquiries, 5,713 court cases, and 7,020 arrests. However, only 222 individuals were convicted.
Government Response and New Legislation
In response to the escalating crisis, the government has introduced the PECA Amendment Bill, which proposes up to five years imprisonment or a 1 million rupee fine for spreading fake news. Additionally, a new *National Cybercrime Investigation Agency* is being established to replace the existing Cybercrime Wing of the FIA.
The PTA has also been active in blocking harmful content, requesting the removal of over 1.4 million social media posts in the past five years. This includes 500,000 URLs with explicit content, 200,000 anti-Islamic posts, 90,000 posts defaming the judiciary, and 200,000 targeting defense institutions.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these measures, challenges remain. The rapid rise in social media usage and online crimes has outpaced the capacity of existing institutions. Digital rights organizations have raised concerns about the misuse of AI and deepfake technology, which has opened a new frontier of abuse and discrimination against women in Pakistan.
As the government grapples with these issues, the need for stronger enforcement, public awareness, and technological solutions has never been more urgent. The fight against cybercrimes is not just about protecting individuals but also safeguarding the nation’s social and economic fabric from the growing threat of digital exploitation.
Reported by Zahid Gishkori, Mujahid Hussain, and Abubakar Khan for Hum Investigates
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