Punjab authorities have taken major steps to address the growing issue of harassment and blackmail targeting women and children on social media.
The provincial government has approved the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Crime Unit in Punjab to combat such offences. Under the new system, victims—especially minors—will no longer be required to visit police stations to lodge complaints. Instead, mobile units will be deployed to record complaints directly from affected individuals.
Victims of online harassment will also be able to file complaints through a virtual police station, with assurances that their identities will remain completely confidential. Complaints can additionally be registered via the Cyber Crime Unit’s front desk and the PKM App.
The government has also decided to introduce legislation to ensure strict punishment for those involved in harassment and blackmail. Work has begun on the draft of the Punjab Online Safety Act 2026, which is expected to be presented soon.
The decisions were made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where several key initiatives were approved. These include the creation of a Cyber Patrol Wing and a Cyber Police Academy to strengthen enforcement capabilities.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed authorities to adopt a proactive approach to curb cybercrime, including the development of an intelligence-based system for monitoring and surveillance on social media platforms.
She also ordered strict measures to ensure the protection of data related to cybercrime cases. Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, she stated that cybercrime poses a major challenge and that protecting the younger generation is a top priority.
