Pakistan’s Hidden Epidemic of Online Abuse
As cyberbullying grows unchecked in Pakistan, countless lives are shattered by online abuse. Discover why urgent action, stronger laws, and public awareness are needed to protect vulnerable communities
Social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, have become integral to Gen Z’s social lives, offering spaces for self-expression and connection. However, these platforms have also become hotspots for cyberbullying, where anonymity empowers perpetrators and amplifies digital harassment.
In the early 2000s, Canadian educator Bill Belsey coined the term “cyberbullying”, and the word appeared in public discourse as online spaces became extensions of social life. By 2004-2005, researchers began uncovering the severe psychological effects of online harassment, particularly on young minds.
One of the earliest and most tragic cases in 2006 was of Megan Meier, a 13-year-old American girl who faced relentless harassment on MySpace. The emotional toll of online cruelty faced by Megan led to her untimely death, sparking urgent discussions about digital abuse and prompting legal reforms.
Behind every headline about teenage suicides, public shaming, or digital hate campaigns lies a common thread — the unchecked spread of cruelty via the internet. Victims of cyberbullying often suffer from anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm. Unlike bruises and broken bones, these wounds remain invisible — festering silently, often dismissed by those who do not understand the power of words turned into weapons.
The tragedy of cyberbullying is that it is largely preventable. Yet, it thrives in a culture where online anonymity is celebrated, and accountability is scarce. Cyberbullying takes many insidious forms, each designed to harm and intimidate individuals in the digital space. One such method is doxxing, which involves revealing a person’s private or sensitive information online with the intention of threatening or causing them harm. Another form is trolling, where individuals deliberately post offensive, or disturbing comments to provoke others and incite emotional distress. More severe and persistent is cyberstalking, where a person is repeatedly harassed and targeted online in ways that generate fear and a sense of insecurity. Equally damaging is the act of revenge posting, in which unauthorized sharing of explicit or intimate images and videos, often as a means of shaming, or humiliating the victim.
The Alarming Rise of Cyberbullying in Pakistan
In Pakistan, cyberbullying has emerged as a deeply troubling issue, disproportionately affecting women. According to the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), nearly 40% of Pakistani women have experienced some form of online abuse, ranging from sexual harassment and blackmail to hate speech, stalking, identity theft, and direct physical threats. These violations are not limited to anonymous attacks but often involve targeted and sustained campaigns aimed at silencing and intimidating women in both public and private spheres.
Several high-profile cases illustrate the severity of the problem. In 2014, prominent writer and columnist Bina Shah was subjected to cyber harassment when a fake Twitter account was created in her name, using her images to impersonate and manipulate her acquaintances. In 2020, Fatima Aamir endured years of digital abuse, including death and rape threats, before the perpetrator was finally arrested following a national outcry. Tragically, in 2022, well-known media figure Dr. Aamir Liaquat became a victim of severe online harassment when his private videos were leaked without consent. The relentless public shaming and online abuse he faced are believed to have contributed to his untimely
The Need for Stronger Protections and Systemic Action
Despite the growing number of cyberbullying incidents in Pakistan, legal and institutional responses remain fragmented. Although the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 was enacted to address various forms of online crimes, including harassment and cyberstalking, enforcement remains weak, and victims often face bureaucratic hurdles, lack of technical expertise among law enforcement, and victim-blaming attitudes when seeking justice. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cybercrime department received over 85,000 complaints in 2020 alone, covering a wide range of issues from investment scams and fake profiles to identity theft and cyber blackmail — a staggering number that reflects both the scale of the crisis and the system’s inability to keep pace with the growing threat.
Further highlighting the gravity of the issue, the Digital Rights Foundation’s (DRF) Cyber Harassment Helpline records an average of 146 calls every month, with 57% of these calls coming from women and 30% from men, indicating that while women are disproportionately affected, men too are not immune to online abuse. These numbers paint a grim picture of a society where online harassment has become normalized, and yet, victim support mechanisms remain underdeveloped.
Moreover, Pakistan’s deeply patriarchal society amplifies the consequences of cyberbullying for women and marginalized communities. In a culture where honor and reputation are tightly controlled, especially for women, the public exposure of private information — whether real or fabricated — can lead to devastating social exclusion, mental health crises, and in extreme cases, violence or suicide. What makes cyberbullying in Pakistan particularly insidious is its ability to exploit existing gender inequalities, leaving victims vulnerable not only to digital attacks but also to real-world consequences in their families and communities.
Digital literacy gaps further exacerbate the issue. Many people, particularly in rural and less educated segments of society, do not fully understand the risks of online platforms or the mechanisms for protecting themselves. Meanwhile, perpetrators often operate with impunity, confident that weak enforcement and a culture of silence will shield them from accountability.
The Way Forward: Education, Accountability, and Reform
To address cyberbullying in Pakistan effectively, a multi-pronged approach is essential. First, there must be a serious investment in digital literacy education, not just for young people but also for parents, educators, and law enforcement officials. People must be empowered to recognize cyberbullying, know their rights, and understand the available legal mechanisms.
Second, law enforcement agencies need specialized training in cybercrime investigation, along with dedicated units that are equipped to respond swiftly and sensitively to complaints. Current systems often re-traumatize victims rather than supporting them — this must change if victims are to trust the process.
Third, social media platforms must be held accountable for enabling abuse on their networks. This includes enforcing stricter content moderation policies, quicker response mechanisms for reported abuse, and proactive identification of coordinated harassment campaigns. Global technology companies cannot remain passive while their platforms are used as tools of violence in countries like Pakistan.
Finally, there is a pressing need for public discourse that challenges societal norms around victim-blaming and silence. Civil society organizations, media, and public figures must work together to destigmatize conversations around online harassment and advocate for survivors’ rights.
Time to Speak Out
The conversation on cyberbullying can no longer remain confined to hushed tones or academic panels. It is a human rights issue. When we speak about freedom of expression, let us also speak of freedom from abuse. When we advocate for digital literacy, let us include lessons on empathy and respect.
It is time for a coordinated and urgent national response — one that places survivors at the center, holds perpetrators accountable, and ensures that the online world is not a battleground, but a safe space for all.
Subject Line Idea: The Dark Side of Social Media: A Must-Read on Cyberbullying in Pakistan
Email Body Paragraph:
Are we truly safe online? As social media becomes a lifeline for connection and expression, it has also become a dangerous battleground for harassment, blackmail, and abuse — especially for women and youth in Pakistan. Our latest article dives deep into the rising crisis of cyberbullying, exposing real-life cases that shook the nation and uncovering why justice remains out of reach for so many victims. If you care about digital safety, human rights, and the urgent need for change, this is a story you cannot ignore. Click below to read how we can turn the tide on cyberbullying and make the online world safer for all.
