Digital Rights Foundation has raised alarm over the growing wave of online harassment and digital threats in Pakistan, revealing that more than 5,000 new complaints were recorded between May 2024 and December 2025.
According to the organization’s latest report, its Digital Security Helpline documented a total of 5,041 complaints during the reporting period, highlighting what experts describe as a worsening online safety environment for vulnerable communities across the country.
The findings showed a sharp increase in reported incidents, with cases rising from 2,029 in 2024 to 3,012 in 2025. The report suggests that digital abuse, cyber harassment, and online intimidation are becoming increasingly widespread as internet usage and social media engagement continue to grow in Pakistan.
Women and transgender women were identified as the most heavily targeted groups, facing disproportionately high levels of sexualized harassment, reputational attacks, coercive online behavior, and privacy violations. Rights advocates say these trends are creating serious psychological, social, and professional consequences for victims.
Among the most commonly reported complaints, hacking ranked highest with 531 reported cases. Image-based abuse and deepfake-related incidents closely followed with 514 complaints, reflecting growing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence and manipulated digital content.
The report also documented 500 blackmail cases and 491 incidents involving threats, indicating a broader pattern of digital intimidation and cyber exploitation. Experts warn that such online abuse often extends beyond social media, affecting victims’ personal safety, mental well-being, and public reputation.
Digital rights activists have repeatedly called for stronger cybercrime enforcement mechanisms, improved reporting systems, and greater public awareness regarding online safety. They argue that many victims remain reluctant to report abuse due to fear of stigma, retaliation, or lack of institutional support.
The increasing number of deepfake and image-based abuse cases has also sparked concerns over emerging technologies being weaponized against individuals, particularly women. Experts believe the rapid spread of AI-generated content is making online harassment more difficult to detect and control.
Pakistan has witnessed growing discussions around digital safety, cybercrime legislation, and social media regulation in recent years. However, rights organizations maintain that stronger implementation of laws and victim support systems are urgently needed to address the escalating problem.
The Digital Rights Foundation emphasized the importance of digital literacy, online privacy awareness, and stronger cybersecurity protections to help individuals navigate increasingly unsafe online spaces.
The report serves as another reminder of the urgent need for coordinated action involving government institutions, technology platforms, law enforcement agencies, and civil society groups to tackle online harassment and protect vulnerable internet users in Pakistan.
