Islamabad, January 28, 2026: The Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming convened today at the Parliament House under the chairpersonship of Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA, to discuss pressing issues surrounding digital violence against women in Pakistan.
During the session, the Committee reviewed the Draft Report of the Parliamentary Hearing on Digital Violence Against Women and received input from members of parliament, representatives of relevant ministries, and concerned departments.
Chairperson Dr. Shah voiced serious concern over delayed departmental responses and stressed the urgent need for the effective institutionalization of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025. She emphasized that the law must be implemented in letter and spirit, rather than remaining a legislative formality.
Dr. Shah highlighted the necessity of improving access to justice for ordinary complainants, particularly through strengthening complaint-handling institutions. She also called for the establishment and effective functioning of Child Protection and Child Cyber-Stalking Response Centres, citing the rising vulnerability of children in the digital space.
The Committee stressed the importance of a robust, multi-agency approach to tackle digital violence, urging the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to involve local police professionally to resolve complaints at the grassroots level. Members also raised concerns over vague provisions in PECA, noting the law is sometimes misused against civil society actors, journalists, and political parties, instead of protecting victims of digital abuse.
Ms. Naz Baloch, MNA, a survivor of digital harassment, highlighted gaps in capacity and competence within relevant departments and emphasized the urgent need for action on cybercrime complaints, child abuse, and misuse of artificial intelligence. She also called for more trained women officers within the NCCIA to handle cases involving women and children.
The Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) presented a comprehensive review of existing laws and recent legislative developments aimed at curbing digital violence. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to ensure safe and inclusive digital spaces for women and children across Pakistan.
Recognizing the role of media in awareness-raising, the Committee formally acknowledged television productions such as “Ek Nai Pakeeza” for highlighting real-life challenges faced by women online, including harassment and cyberstalking, and underscoring the social, psychological, and legal impacts of these crimes. Dr. Shah emphasized that creative media can play a vital role in educating communities, encouraging reporting, and promoting ethical digital behavior.
The Committee also approved the minutes of its previous meeting.
The session was attended by MNAs Mr. Aqeel Malik, Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Senator Ms. Saadia Abbasi, and special invitees including Ms. Naz Baloch and former MNA Ms. Mehnaz Akber. Federal and provincial officials participated, including the Federal Minister of State for Human Rights (via Zoom), the Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, and representatives from the Ministries of IT & Telecommunication, Interior, and Law & Justice. Senior officials from FOSPAH, NCCIA, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority were also present, along with representatives from UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women, who shared insights on policy, implementation challenges, and international best practices.
