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May 13, 2026 - Comments Off on Digital harassment protection system launched in Punjab

Digital harassment protection system launched in Punjab

A new digital harassment protection system has been launched by the Chief Minister of Punjab aimed at combatting online abuse, cyberbullying and digital blackmail, particularly against women. The proposed system includes confidential complaint mechanisms, virtual support centers and panic-button facilities to improve emergency response and victim protection. Authorities also plan on establishing a cybercrime unit and patrol wing to strengthen digital law enforcement. 

May 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Pakistan summons Norwegian nationals for defamation  case

Pakistan summons Norwegian nationals for defamation  case

The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Pakistan has summoned three Norwegian nationals in connection with an alleged online defamation campaign targeting businessman and Pakistani ambassador Umar Farooq Zahoor. The notices direct the three men to appear before investigations in Lahore and record their statements. Inquiries began after Zahoor filed a complaint in a Lahore court accusing the suspects, reporters for a Norwegian tabloid, of spreading defamatory allegations against him in collaboration with Indian media outlets. The publication falsely stated that Zahoor was being wanted by the Norwegian authorities.

May 11, 2026 - Comments Off on HEC launches online degree attestation system

HEC launches online degree attestation system

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has launched a fully online and paperless degree attestation system aimed at making the process faster and more convenient for students and graduates across the country. Applicants will no longer have to visit the HEC offices physically or submit original documents through the post but will be processed through the HEC e-Services Portal. This upgraded system will use digital verification and secure e-attestation certificates to improve transparency and efficiency. 

May 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Terrorism FIR filed against Imtiaz Chandio

Terrorism FIR filed against Imtiaz Chandio

A terrorism charge has been filed against US-based journalist and YouTuber Imitaz Chandio and two other social media activists by a Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). They have been accused of spreading “false propaganda” and inciting protests in the province over the results of the SPSC examination. Around 30-49 people staged a demonstration outside the commissioner’s office in response to Chandio’s videos on Facebook where he accused officials of corruption and giving jobs to undeserving candidates and called for candidates to protest the headquarters. The FIR includes charges under the Pakistan Penal Code, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and Anti-Terrorism Act.  

May 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Affordable 5G hits roadblock

Affordable 5G hits roadblock

Plans to make 5G-enabled smartphones more affordable in Pakistan have been delayed as telecom stakeholders have failed to respond to the government’s proposal. The initiative would allow customers to buy smartphones through instalment plants and help low-income users access 5G. While companies such as Jazz, Ufone and Zong have publicly shown support for the proposal, the Ministry of IT claims some responses are still pending.

May 10, 2026 - Comments Off on Internet disruptions from May 11-18 for PTCL users

Internet disruptions from May 11-18 for PTCL users

PTCL internet users across Pakistan have been warned that they may experience internet slowdowns and service disruptions from May 11 - 18 during evening hours due to maintenance work being conducted on one of the submarine cables. Customers may face degraded internet performance, especially during peak evening hours. 

May 9, 2026 - Comments Off on Instagram removes end-to-end encryption

Instagram removes end-to-end encryption

Meta has ended support for end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) direct messages on Instagram, saying very few users actually used the feature. The update took effect on 8 May 2026. The change means that Meta now has potential access to users' Instagram DMs for moderation, safety checks or legal requests. The company updated support pages earlier this year without making any prior public announcements. Privacy advocates have criticized Meta’s decision arguing that the encryption settings were never easy to find or made widely available. 

 

May 8, 2026 - Comments Off on Fake: UAE is not deporting Pakistani nationals for political reasons

Fake: UAE is not deporting Pakistani nationals for political reasons

The Pakistani government has rejected several social media claims stating that the UAE is deporting Pakistani nationals on the grounds of political reasons. These reports are said to be part of a misinformation campaign that emerged after online posts alleged that deportations were linked to Pakistan’s diplomatic support for and allyship with Iran. Pakistan’s Interior Ministry and Foreign Office have both said that deportations were only related to routine immigration violations such as overstaying visas, illegal employment or incomplete documentation. 

 

May 7, 2026 - Comments Off on Sara Sharif’s abuse report blocked by data laws

Sara Sharif’s abuse report blocked by data laws

Authorities in south England have refused to release a report on Sara Sharif’s case, citing data protection laws. The report is said to contain details pertaining to failures that contributed to the 10-year-old’s death including negligence on part of officials who failed to prevent the abuse and violence towards the child by her father. According to media reports, Sara was subjected to prolonged abuse and should have been given up to her father’s care.

May 7, 2026 - Comments Off on NCCIA Faces Challenges in Cybercrime Investigations Due to Limited Platform Cooperation

NCCIA Faces Challenges in Cybercrime Investigations Due to Limited Platform Cooperation

Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has highlighted significant challenges in investigating cybercrime cases, citing limited cooperation from social media platforms as a major barrier. Officials informed a Senate subcommittee that many cases, particularly those involving journalists and digital content creators, remain unresolved or are dismissed due to difficulties in accessing platform data and identifying anonymous users.

Data shared with lawmakers revealed that several cases registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) have faced delays, with some investigations pending for years. Authorities noted that while technical expertise supports part of the investigative process, a substantial portion depends on timely responses from digital platforms.

The issue underscores broader concerns around platform accountability, cross-border data access, and the effectiveness of cybercrime enforcement mechanisms, especially as online activity and misuse of anonymous accounts continue to grow in Pakistan.