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How to Report Cyber Harassment in Pakistan
This article will go over in detail how to file a complaint and which authorities to reach out to in case one gets into trouble online.
Social Media Platforms Reporting
Social media companies are implementing measures to combat misinformation, online hate speech, harassment and bullying within their platforms. It’s crucial to advocate for accountability and reporting mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of these online spaces. If you come across issues on the internet, you can utilize the following links to contact these social media platforms.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/help/?help
Instagram:
https://www.help.instagram.com/
Twitter/X:
https://www.support.twitter.com/
Snapchat:
https://support.snapchat.com/en-US
Tiktok:
Law Enforcement Agency Reporting
As digital threats come in various forms, and sometimes social media companies may not have the capacity to address these threats on their own, it becomes crucial to engage with law enforcement authorities. It’s worth noting that these agencies exist to safeguard citizens, and it is essential to initiate a formal complaint. You can submit a complaint to the Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) at the nearest branch in your city. Keep in mind that when filing a complaint, you must include all relevant evidence in the form of hard copies, such as printed copies of screenshots, images, videos, and web links. Address your application to the Deputy Director, and it is necessary to make at least one in-person visit to the FIA office during the complaint filing process.
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
The FIA Cyber Crime division maintains offices in various cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sukkar, Gwadar, Abbottabad, Gujranwala, Gilgit, Dera Ismail Khan, and Hyderabad. To file a complaint, individuals can contact at 9911 or complete the form available at http://www.nr3c.gov.pk/cre-port.php
It is greatly beneficial if the complainant makes a personal visit to an FIA office at least once.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority(PTA)
An individual can also file a complaint with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) if someone is bothering them on their number through calls and texts by visiting the official PTA website, which is https://www.pta.gov.pk/ Look for the “Complaints” or “Consumer Protection” section on the PTA website. This section typically provides information on how to file a complaint. You can also reach the PTA at 0800-55055 or 051-9225929/30/31. Please note that the PTA is not a prosecuting body and will be able to assist with blocking and removing numbers online.
Digital Rights Foundation’s (DRF) Cyber Harassment Helpline
The Digital Rights Foundation’s Cyber Harassment Helpline is a support service in Pakistan designed to assist individuals who have experienced online harassment, cyberbullying, or digital abuse. The helpline is a gender-sensitive and confidential service that also helps in the psycho-social well-being of those who reach out.
Individuals can contact the helpline at 0800-39393, and it remains operational throughout the week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Furthermore, individuals can also connect with the support service via email at helpdesk@digitalrightsfoundation.pk or through DRF’s various social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
IWF Portal
The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), in partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Global Fund for the Eradication of Violence Against Children, has introduced a web platform aimed at addressing the issue of child online safety in Pakistan. This newly launched portal enables internet users in Pakistan to submit reports regarding explicit content involving child sexual abuse material while maintaining their anonymity. This reporting function is available in three different languages: English, Urdu, and Pashto.
If you encounter any explicit videos or images containing child sexual abuse material, you have the option to report using the link address: www.report.iwf.org.uk/pk
Individuals can utilize online assaults and tactics aimed at intimidating and harassing to stifle the voices of human rights advocates and members of the media nationwide. These defenders of human rights and journalists must safeguard themselves from digital dangers. Additionally, they must be well-informed about the legal recourse options at their disposal in the event of encountering issues on the internet.
Wajid Zahid is a member of the ICPD 30 Regional Youth Group and an alumnus of the Amplifying Leadership of Local Youth (ALLY) and UNOCT Youth Engagement & Empowerment Program (YEEP) Fellowships. He has worked in the development sector with Initiatives for Sustainable Development and Rahnuma Family Planning Association in Pakistan.
As an Oxfam fellow, Wajid works on his project, Inclusive Lens, which aims to train journalists and online content creators on fair and inclusive representation of religious minorities, women, and gender minorities and content that does not incite hate.