Domestic Initiatives & Regional EngagementsPakistan Solar Association and DRF Join Hands to Power Flood Recovery

The Pakistan Solar Association (PSA) signed a landmark MOU with the Digital Rights Foundation to bring clean, renewable energy to flood-affected communities in Jhang and Chiniot. Months after devastating floods left thousands without power or connectivity, this collaboration will help set up water filtration plants. With PSA’s industry leadership and DRF’s commitment to digital inclusion, the initiative marks a bold step toward climate resilience and technological empowerment. Together, we’re proving that when innovation meets compassion, communities can rebuild stronger, more connected, and more self-reliant than before. Read our statement here.

Standing with Nepal: DACSA Condemns Social Media Ban

The Digital Accountability Collective South Asia (DACSA) — of which DRF is a founding member —  strongly condemned Nepal’s sweeping social media ban imposed in September, and the tragic loss of life during peaceful protests. DACSA denounced the developments as an assault on free expression and digital rights, calling for transparency, accountability, and urgent international investigation. Standing in solidarity with the people of Nepal, DACSA reaffirmed its commitment to rights-based, democratic digital governance across South Asia. Read the statement here.

Inside DRF’s Day of Collective Action

The Digital Rights Foundation recently welcomed volunteers from Mahwari Justice and Dastak Pakistan to its office for a hands-on day of solidarity and service. Together, the teams assembled 500 menstrual-relief kits for flood-affected communities, a small but meaningful step toward restoring dignity and care where it’s needed most.

Our Latest Research & Advocacy:

Combatting Flood Misinformation in Pakistan

As Pakistan faces a climate catastrophe, disaster-related misinformation amplifies the hardships faced by communities. In this report, DRF’s research team highlights the role of generative AI in spreading false information, with bad actors exploiting crises to further destabilize an already fragile socio-political environment.

Information Controls in India and Pakistan During the May 2025 Conflict

In collaboration with OONI, DRF’s research team investigates how, amid escalations between India and Pakistan in May 2025, both governments began geo-blocking news media outlets to curb ‘disinformation campaigns’ and ‘hate speech’ on the internet.

Probing Attacks on Journalists: an Investigative Analysis of PECA’s Post-Amendment 2025 Cases

The DRF legal team compiled an investigative analysis of PECA cases against journalists following the 2025 amendments, collecting data from daily online reports and news coverage. The study focused on how the new provisions blur the line between free expression and criminal conduct, with critical reporting often labeled as ‘fake news.’ It highlights patterns of selective enforcement and procedural gaps, concluding that PECA’s post-amendment framework risks institutionalizing censorship under the guise of digital regulation. Read the analysis here.

Press Coverage:

DRF Founder Calls for Financial Literacy Amid Boom in “Instant Loan” Apps

In conversation with Gulf News, Nighat Dad highlighted the role of weak regulatory policies and the lack of financial literacy which makes Pakistani citizens more vulnerable to digital “loan sharks”. Read more here.

Events:

Reclaiming Tech: Countering Digital Violence against Women Environmental Defenders in the Global South

DRF was invited to speak at the Reclaiming Tech webinar hosted by

Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, as part of a discussion on the weaponisation of technology to perpetrate violence against environmental and human rights defenders in the Global South. The event brought together activists and experts from Latin America and South Asia to share regional perspectives on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and exchange strategies, tools, and practices to protect WERHDs and strengthen transnational solidarity.

Legal Responses to Sexual Violence in Pakistan: Challenges in Enforcement and Access to Justice

DRF was invited to attend a workshop on Legal Responses to Sexual Violence in Pakistan hosted by Equality Now in Lahore on 24 September 2025. The discussion mainly revolved around the concept of consent in rape cases and the prevailing mindsets, with a focus on identifying loopholes in the law, implementation challenges, and developing strategies for improving survivors’ access to justice.

The cost of Asia’s Digital Transformation: Pathways for Stronger Accountability and Rights-based Approaches

DRF participated in the UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum – Asia-Pacific, where it hosted and spoke at a session titled “The Cost of Asia’s Digital Transformation: Pathways for Stronger Accountability and Rights-based Approaches” alongside Fair Finance Asia, Oxfam in Asia, FORUM-ASIA, and Digital Rights Nepal. DRF’s Research and Grants Lead Seerat Khan emphasized the urgent need for reforms to address gendered disinformation, censorship, surveillance, and data protection gaps in South Asia. She called for stronger platform accountability, inclusive digital governance, and regional solidarity to ensure that the rights and civic spaces of marginalized communities are safeguarded amid the region’s shifting digital landscape.

Social Media: Reality, Risk & Responsibility

On 9th September 2025, the DRF Legal Team was invited by LACAS to conduct an engaging online session for students of LACAS and The Milestone School across all campuses on ‘Social Media: Reality, Risk & Responsibility.’ The session aimed to raise awareness about the responsible use of social media, the risks associated with it, and practical steps students can take to stay safe.

Digital Harms and Legal Rights & Duties:

On 18th September 2025, the DRF Legal Team was invited by SICAS to deliver an interactive online session for their A and O Level students. The session, titled “Digital Harms and Legal Rights & Duties,”  focused on empowering students with awareness about the responsible use of social media, highlighting the risks linked to online spaces, and outlining the practical legal actions and protections available under the law.

Tech Trends:

Amazon to Launch Satellite in Pakistan

Project Kuiper, an initiative by e-commerce giant Amazon, had officially announced plans to launch a satellite in Pakistan by late-2026. The satellite, equipped with broadband range, is expected to revolutionize connectivity across the country, especially in remote areas.

New WhatsApp Feature Comes to Pakistan

WhatsApp had launched “Ask Meta AI” feature in Pakistan, allowing users to access and chat with Meta’s artificial intelligence (AI) assistant without closing active chat windows. Designed to help users summarize conversations, get real-time information and format quick replies, this feature is a part of Meta’s larger plan to integrate AI into its various applications.

Tip of the Month:

Smartwatch Safety: 10 Quick Security Wins

1. Always set up a strong PIN or passcode to lock your watch.
2. Keep your smartwatch’s operating system and apps updated.
3. Only install apps from trusted sources.
4. Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.
5. Use two-factor authentication on connected accounts.
6. Review app permissions—deny unnecessary access to data.
7. Regularly unpair and remove old or unused devices.
8. Enable “Find My Watch” or remote wipe features.
9. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi directly on your watch.
10. Back up your data securely and monitor account activity.

Highlights from our Digital Rights Tracker

Man accused of threatening and harassing social media influencer arrested 

Date: 2 September 2025

Islamabad police have arrested the suspect accused of harassing and threatening social media influencer Samiya Hijab. On Sunday evening, Samiya Hijab filed a First Investigation Report (FIR) and posted a video on her Instagram account, accusing a man of repeatedly harassing her, physically assaulting her and threatening to abduct her from her home. The case, registered under sections 354, 365, 392, 500, 509 and 511 of the Pakistan Penal Code, was immediately taken up by local police.

Over Rs. 2 billion in online fraud reported in Pakistan

Date: 3 September 2025

Approximately Rs.2-3 billion worth of online financial fraud has been reported in Pakistan over the year according to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). While briefing a parliamentary committee in Islamabad, the NCCIA said that recent cases of financial fraud have increased especially through WhatsApp, with extortion that targets trusted people such as family and friends. Illegally operating call centers and software houses across the country make fake calls made to ordinary citizens claiming to be trusted investment schemes and con them out of millions of rupees.

NCCIA Summons YouTuber Rajab Butt

Date: September 8, 2025

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned YouTuber Rajab Butt to appear on September 9 for an inquiry into his alleged promotion of online gambling apps. The notice from the NCCIA states that Butt is accused of using his social media platforms to promote financial scams and gambling schemes, which is an offense under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The summons follows the recent arrest of another YouTuber, Ducky Bhai, on similar charges.

TikToker Booked for Spreading Fake News About Floods

Date: September 8, 2025

Police in Jhelum have registered a case against a TikToker under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for uploading a fake video that showed water spilling from the Mangla Dam. The video caused widespread panic and fear, falsely suggesting that hundreds of villages were submerged. The FIR, filed on the complaint of a police sub-inspector, accuses the TikToker of spreading disinformation and creating public anxiety.

Sensitive Data of Thousands of Pakistanis Put on Sale Online

Date: September 8, 2025

Sensitive data belonging to thousands of Pakistanis, including federal ministers and senior officials, has reportedly been put up for sale online. The leaked information includes personal details like addresses, call logs, CNIC copies, and travel history, and is being offered on various platforms for a low price. In response, the Interior Minister has ordered the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to form a special investigation team to probe the data breach.

Shabbar Zaidi Says Pakistan Cannot Regulate Cryptocurrencies
Date Published: September 14, 2025

Former FBR chairman Shabbar Zaidi said Pakistan’s tightly controlled financial system prevents effective regulation of cryptocurrencies, though they are increasingly used as an alternative to hawala. Speaking at a PIIA session, he noted that around nine million Pakistanis hold or trade digital assets, mainly Bitcoin, and that virtual currencies are already used in trade settlements with China. He argued that “a currency born unregulated cannot be regulated,” stressing crypto’s reliance on anonymity, unlike Pakistan’s digitisation drive focused on traceability.

Meta to Expand “Teen Accounts” to Pakistani Users

Date: 25 September 2025

Meta has announced its intentions to expand “teen accounts” to Facebook and Messenger applications around the world. This feature was introduced last year and introduced safeguards that could limit content accessed by young users of the application. This is done by limiting accounts a teen account can interact with and filtering content. Meta has justified these new features as catering to parental concerns over unchecked and unsupervised teen access to content on social media.

DRF Resources:

Digital Security Helpline:

The Digital Security Helpline received 264 complaints in September 2025, of which 223 were related to cyber harassment.

If you’re encountering a problem online, you can reach out to our helpline at 0800-39393, email us at helpdesk@digitalrightsfoundation.pk or reach out to us on our social media accounts. We’re available for assistance from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Sunday.

Legal Support:

DRF’s Legal team processed three complaints in September 2025, In September 2025, two of which involved women, primarily related to online harassment and fraud.

If you’re in need of any legal support or advice, you can reach out to DRF’s Ab Aur Nahin portal.

IWF Portal

          www.report.iwf.org.uk/pk

StopNCII.org

        https://stopncii.org/