Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD:
Alarmed by the growing misuse of digital platforms for harassment and blackmail, the National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution urging the federal government to tighten laws and ensure strict punishment for those involved in unauthorised video recording, cyberbullying, and digital defamation.
The resolution, moved by PML-N MNA Syeda Nousheen Iftikhar, described the rise in non-consensual capturing and sharing of videos and images—particularly targeting women—as a serious infringement on personal privacy and a threat to public safety.
Lawmakers expressed concern that such violations were becoming increasingly common due to the easy availability of smartphones, widespread use of social media, and weak implementation of existing laws. The House emphasised that these acts not only violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution but also contribute to social stigma, harassment, and extortion.
Despite the presence of laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and other provincial statutes, the resolution highlighted inadequate enforcement and low public awareness as major hurdles. It also noted that victims—especially women—often face further trauma due to ineffective investigations and institutional indifference.
The Assembly urged the federal government to initiate amendments to PECA and the Pakistan Penal Code where necessary, enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies, particularly digital forensics units, and improve coordination with provincial authorities to ensure uniform application of the law.
The resolution further proposed including digital ethics and privacy education in school and college curricula and called for strict accountability of offenders under existing laws.
In a separate resolution, the House also condemned the rising incidents of honour killings across the country. Moved by MNA Shahida Rehmani on behalf of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, the resolution called for a zero-tolerance policy towards perpetrators and proposed the creation of a national database to monitor such crimes.
Lawmakers demanded the establishment of protective mechanisms for vulnerable individuals, including confidential helplines, safe shelters, and access to legal aid, along with the formation of an inter-provincial task force to ensure better coordination in tackling honour-based violence.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly also unanimously adopted a resolution condemning ongoing Israeli military aggression in Gaza. The resolution, moved by PPP MNA Shazia Marri, denounced the killing of civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and statements by Israeli authorities suggesting long-term occupation of the territory and forced displacement of Palestinians.
The resolution reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned attempts to erase the identity of Gaza.
