Gilgit (PR): The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Gilgit Chapter held a dialogue with various stakeholders on Sunday in Gilgit City to address the pressing issue of cyber harassment against women in Gilgit Baltistan.
The participants in the dialogue included representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Response Wing GB, Karakoram International University, police, social welfare department, child protection commission, education department, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), UN Women, human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, and civil society representatives.
Director cyber response wing FIA GB Aman Yougavi gave a detailed presentation on cyber security, cyber law, complaint registration processes in FIA, case processes, and tips for safe and secure social media and internet usage. He highlighted the alarming lack of awareness among the general public regarding cyber laws and social media usage.
Coordinator HRCP GB Israruddin Israr also shared a detailed report on the situation of cyber harassment faced by women in Gilgit Baltistan, emphasizing the need for awareness raising, sensitization of stakeholders, and digital literacy programs for youth and communities.
The stakeholders collectively recommended the GB government to take the following steps:
- Amend ambiguous articles in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016
- Incorporate digital literacy lessons into the educational curriculum
- Induct female staff into the FIA Cyber Response Wing GB
- Increase human and financial resources to strengthen the FIA Cyber Response Wing GB
- Ensure democratic spaces for political and human rights activities in GB without suppression
- Establish dedicated cyber courts in GB
- Train and sensitize stakeholders, including judges, FIA staff, police, and other service providers
- Conduct community-level awareness sessions on social media misuse and cyber harassment against women in GB
- Organize digital literacy sessions in schools, seminaris, colleges, and universities
