Gender committee urges govt to fast-track PECA institutionalisation

ISLAMABAD: The Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming expressed serious concern over delays by relevant departments and stressed the urgent need to properly implement and institutionalize the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025.

The committee also pointed out unclear provisions in PECA, expressing concern that the law is often misused against civil society members, journalists and political parties instead of being effectively used to help victims of digital abuse.

The committee met with Dr. Nafisa Shah in the chair at Parliament House on Wednesday.

The Committee discussed the draft report in detail and received valuable input from the members, representatives of relevant Ministries, and concerned departments.

During the meeting, the Committee was presented with the Draft Report of the Parliamentary Hearing on Digital Violence Against Women in Pakistan.

The Committee Chairperson Dr. Nafisa Shah expressed serious concern over the delayed responses of concerned departments and stressed the urgent need for the institutionalization of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). She called for effective implementation of PECA 2025 and a -stronger institutional response to digital violence against women in Pakistan

She emphasized that PECA 2025 must be implemented in letter and spirit, rather than remaining merely a legislative instrument.

The Chairperson further directed that access to justice for common complainants must be made easier, particularly through strengthening complaint-handling institutions. She strongly urged the establishment and effective functioning of Child Protection and Child Cyber-Stalking Response Centres, highlighting the growing vulnerability of children in the digital space.

The Committee underscored the importance of a robust and responsive complaint-handling mechanism, urging the National Cyber Crime Investigation (NCCI) to involve local police in a professional and expert manner for the resolution of complaints at the grassroots level.

The Chairperson emphasized that combating digital violence against women requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach involving law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and support institutions.

The Committee stressed the urgent need to assess the scale and nature of digital violence against women, identify gaps in law, policy, enforcement, and victim support mechanisms, and recommend corrective measures to ensure meaningful protection for victims.

Ms. Naz Baloch, MNA, herself a survivor of digital harassment, voiced deep concern over the increasing incidence of cybercrime. She highlighted capacity and competency gaps within concerned departments and raised issues related to child abuse, lengthy complaint procedures, misuse of artificial intelligence, and the need for immediate and serious action on FIR (s). She also emphasized the necessity of deploying an adequate number of trained women officers within NCCI to effectively pursue cases involving women and children.

The Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) presented a comprehensive review of existing laws, progress made, and recent legislative developments aimed at addressing digital violence against women.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to ensure safe, inclusive, and accountable digital spaces for women and children across Pakistan.

The committee appreciated and formally acknowledged television productions, including “Ek Nai Pakeeza,” for their meaningful contribution to raising public awareness on digital violence against women.

Members observed that such plays effectively highlight the real-life challenges faced by women in the digital space, including online harassment, cyber stalking, and other forms of digital abuse, while also underscoring the social, psychological, and legal implications of these crimes.

The Chair noted that television and digital media can serve as vital tools for educating communities, encouraging victims to report offences, and supporting national efforts to prevent and combat digital violence against women. She recognized the power of creative media and storytelling in sensitizing society and commended these initiatives for employing strong and responsible narratives that promote ethical digital behaviour, empathy for victims, and informed public discourse.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026