Punjab to establish cyber crime unit to combat online harassment of women, children

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday approved the establishment of a dedicated cyber crime unit to crack down on criminals involved in online harassment and blackmail targeting women and children.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister to address the growing issue of social media abuse.

Under the new initiative, victims of harassment and blackmail will no longer need to visit police stations or offices to file complaints. Instead, mobile complaint units will be dispatched to register cases at their doorstep.

Affected women and children will also be able to lodge complaints through a virtual police station, as well as via the front desk and the Punjab Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) app.

Authorities have assured that the identities of victims will be kept completely confidential.

The government has also decided to introduce legislation to ensure strict punishment for those involved in harassment and blackmail. Work has already begun on the draft of the Punjab Online Safety Act 2026, which will soon be presented.

In addition, the Punjab government plans to establish a Cyber Patrol Wing and a Cyber Police Academy to strengthen enforcement capabilities.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to adopt a proactive approach against cyber criminals and ordered the development of an intelligence-based monitoring and surveillance system for social media.

She also emphasized the need for strict measures to ensure the protection of cyber data.

Calling cyber crime a “major challenge,” the chief minister said the government is committed to protecting the younger generation. She stressed the use of modern technology and tools to prevent blackmail, particularly involving young girls.

Maryam Nawaz also urged parents to monitor and limit their children’s use of social media.

“Digital crimes against women and children must be stopped at all costs. No one has the right to violate the privacy of others,” she said, adding that strict action will be taken to make an example of those involved in such crimes.