Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution urging the federal government to ensure stricter punishments for unauthorised video recordings, cyber harassment, and digital defamation, particularly targeting women in both public and private spaces.
The resolution, moved by PML-N lawmaker Syeda Nousheen Iftikhar after suspension of rules, highlighted growing concerns over the rampant misuse of digital technology for recording and disseminating private images and videos without consent. The House termed these acts a blatant violation of personal privacy and dignity, often resulting in harassment, blackmail, and extortion.
The resolution warned that such violations were creating a climate of fear and insecurity, especially for women, and stressed that they were not only social but constitutional violations, infringing upon Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution, which guarantee the right to life, liberty, and human dignity.
While acknowledging the presence of legal frameworks such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and various provincial laws on defamation and harassment, the resolution noted that enforcement remained weak and public awareness insufficient. Victims, particularly women, face delayed justice, poor investigations, societal stigma, and institutional apathy, it added.
The House urged the federal government to consider amending existing laws including PECA and the Pakistan Penal Code to plug legal gaps, enhance punishments, and build the capacity of law enforcement and digital forensic units to deal with such crimes swiftly and effectively. It also called for nationwide digital ethics and privacy education in schools, colleges, and universities.
Separately, the House also adopted a resolution condemning the rise in incidents of so-called honour killings across the country. Moved by MNA Shahida Rehmani on behalf of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, the resolution demanded a zero-tolerance approach to honour-based violence and the creation of a national database to monitor and document such cases.
It also urged the establishment of an inter-provincial task force to ensure better coordination among provinces, along with the provision of confidential helplines, safe shelters, and legal aid for individuals—particularly women and girls—at risk of violence.
In another resolution, the House expressed deep concern over the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. Moved by MNA Shazia Marri, the resolution condemned the killing of civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and recent Israeli statements indicating intentions to permanently occupy Gaza, displace its population, and erase its Palestinian identity.
The House reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine and condemned Israeli actions as a violation of international law and human rights.
