Virtual Shadows – How Gender Based Violence is Thriving Online in Pakistan?

In Pakistanโ€™s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the internet has become a double-edged sword. It has unlocked avenues for empowerment and connection but has also given rise to a pervasive menaceโ€”Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV). OGBV refers to acts of harassment, abuse, and exploitation targeted at people based on their gender, perpetuated through digital platforms. The intersection of patriarchal norms and technological advancements has intensified the prevalence of gender based violence in Pakistan, making it a deeply troubling and significant issue.

Pakistanโ€™s digital transformation has seen an exponential rise in internet users, with over 124 million active connections. Unfortunately, this growth has also provided ground for cybercrimes, especially those targeting women. The importance of this issue cannot be overstated, as it affects victims psychologically, socially, and economically, while perpetuating gender inequalities in the online space. In this article, we will be discussing different forms of OGBV and their impact on people. Letโ€™s get started!

Forms of Online Gender Based Violence in Pakistan

Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) in Pakistan is embodied in different forms, each with unique characteristics and devastating impacts. These digital attacks intimidate, control, or harm people based on their gender. They often exploit the anonymity and reach of the internet. Letโ€™s discuss the most prevalent forms of OGBV in Pakistan:

1: Cyber Harassment

Cyber harassment is one of the most common forms of OGBV. It involves constant unsolicited online behavior intended to intimidate or distress the victim. This form of OGBV includes abusive messages, threats of violence, and explicit content sent via social media, messaging apps, or email. Women in Pakistan, particularly journalists or activists, frequently face targeted harassment campaigns. According to the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), nearly 72% of cyber harassment cases reported to its helpline involve women. This form of violence often forces victims to revert from online spaces, restricting their digital freedom.

2: Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images

The non-consensual sharing of intimate images is generally referred to as โ€œrevenge porn.โ€ It is a grave violation of privacy and dignity. Perpetrators, typically former partners or hackers, use these images as tools for blackmail, humiliation, or pressure. Victims in Pakistan face severe consequences, including social ostracism and reputational damage, due to societal stigmas. Despite legal provisions under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, such cases often go unreported due to fear of societal judgment.

3: Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking involves continuous monitoring of someoneโ€™s online activities to seed fear or control their actions. Stalkers exploit social media platforms to gather confidential information, track locations, and monitor the victimโ€™s interactions. The common targets of this violence are women professionals, such as lawyers, educators, and influencers. The obscurity of the internet makes cyberstalking particularly insidious, as perpetrators can easily create fake profiles or switch accounts to avoid detection.

4: Doxxing

Doxxing is the unauthorized release of personal information online. It poses serious safety threats to victims. Perpetrators share susceptible details such as addresses, phone numbers, and workplace information on public platforms, exposing victims to physical harm, harassment, or threats. In Pakistan, doxxing has been used as a weapon against women activists and public figures. This form of OGBV often escalates online abuse into real-world dangers. The lack of robust data protection laws worsens the issue, leaving victims vulnerable to exploitation.

Contributing Factors

Several systemic and cultural factors play an important role in spreading OGBV in Pakistan. The most common factor is the patriarchal societal norms, which normalize the control and subjugation of women, unfurling this mindset into the digital sphere. Many men view the internet as an additional platform to claim their dominance.

The digital literacy gap also exacerbates the issue. Many women are unaware of online safety measures, leaving them vulnerable to cyber exploitation. Limited knowledge about privacy settings and reporting mechanisms often results in protracted victimization.

The internetโ€™s anonymity allows perpetrators to commit their actions without consequence. Fake profiles and encrypted communication channels make it difficult to trace criminals, giving them a sense of invincibility. This lack of accountability triggers the cycle of abuse.

Impact on Victims

The consequences of OGBV are far-reaching. It affects victims on multiple levels. Psychologically, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims often experience a loss of self-esteem and a constant fear of further attacks.

Social consequences are equally devastating. Many women stop using digital platforms to avoid harassment, limiting their participation in online professional opportunities. This self-censorship strengthens gender inequality in an increasingly digital world.

Economically, OGBV affects womenโ€™s ability to work and engage in entrepreneurship. Freelancers and small business owners who depend on online platforms to market their skills or products may suffer financial losses due to harassment or reputational damage.

Legal Framework and Institutional Response

Pakistan has introduced several legal measures to battle OGBV. Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 is one of them, criminalizing acts such as cyber harassment, unauthorized access to information, and the dissemination of explicit content. However, enforcement remains a challenge. The legal process is quite slow. Due to that, victims frequently face stigma while seeking justice. The Federal Investigation Agencyโ€™s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing has been also tasked to handle such cases, however, it is under-resourced and struggles to keep up with the volume of complaints. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) like the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) have been playing an important role in filling the gaps. The DRFโ€™s Cyber Harassment Helpline provides legal advice and psychological support to victims. Initiatives like these underscore the importance of civil society in fighting OGBV and supporting survivors.

Case Studies of Online Gender Based Violence in Pakistan

Online gender-based violence (OGBV) in Pakistan is a growing concern, aggravated by societal norms and the increasing dependence on digital platforms. Several high-profile cases underscore the severity of the issue and the critical need for systemic interventions.

  • Qandeel Balochโ€™s Murder (2016): Qandeel Baloch, a social media star, was murdered by her brother due to her online activities, which he believed brought dishonor to the family.
  • Minar-e-Pakistan Assault (2021): On August 14, 2021, Ayesha Akram, a social media personality, was assaulted by a crowd at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore. The incident was recorded and went viral, leading to widespread outrage.
  • Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar Case (2018): Singer Meesha Shafi accused fellow artist Ali Zafar of sexual harassment, leading to a high-profile legal battle and significant online harassment directed at Shafi.
  • Khadija Siddiqiโ€™s Assault (2016): Law student Khadija Siddiqi was stabbed 23 times by a classmate. Her pursuit of justice faced significant online harassment and victim-blaming.
  • Asma Shirazi Case: Journalists have also faced OGBV. Asma Shirazi, a renowned journalist, endured harassment and threats for expressing her opinions. She has been subjected to targeted trolling campaigns aimed at silencing dissenting voices.

The non-consensual sharing of intimate images has been another critical concern. Victims, including students and professionals, have reported cases where their private images were leaked online, leading to blackmail, public shaming, and psychological trauma.

Strategies for Mitigating Gender Based Violence in Pakistan

A multifaceted approach is necessary to fight OGBV. Policy recommendations include reinforcing the legal framework to address gaps in PECA. Moreover, it is important to ensure swift enforcement through better-resourced cybercrime units. Improved collaboration between law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations is also crucial.

Educational initiatives can play a transformative role by introducing digital literacy programs in schools and universities. In this way, they can equip young people with the tools to navigate the online world safely. Public awareness campaigns should focus on educating women about online safety measures and their legal rights.

Another key element is the technological solutions. Developing tools like AI-powered content moderation systems can help identify and block harmful content. Platforms that provide victims with resources, including legal advice and psychological support, should be prioritized.

Conclusion

Online Gender-Based Violence is a growing menace in Pakistan. It poses a substantial threat to the progress achieved in womenโ€™s empowerment and digital inclusion. The government together with civil society and the tech industry needs a united effort to address this issue. By implementing stronger legal frameworks, improving digital literacy, and fostering technological innovation, Pakistan can create a safer online environment for everyone.

The time to act is now. Silence and inaction are no longer options when the lives and dignity of countless women are at stake. Together, we can ensure that the internet becomes a space of opportunity, not fear. So, what are you waiting for? By promoting awareness about digital safety, reporting abusive content to relevant authorities, supporting victims, and advocating for stronger laws, you can also help create safer online spaces for everyone.

Check Out: Governmentโ€™s Internet Reforms: Vision vs Reality? โ€“ PhoneWorld

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Laiba Mohsin

Laiba is an Electrical Engineer seeking a placement to gain hands-on experience in relevant areas of telecommunications. She likes to write about tech and gadgets. She loves shopping, traveling and exploring things.

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