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Social media has a firm grip on Pakistanis. In January, the country averaged 71.7 million social media users, constituting 29.5 per cent of the total population. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority estimates that as of June 2023, the country has more than 200 million mobile phone users and over 90 million internet users, making our society increasingly prone to the dangers of social media, particularly cyberbullying — a practice involving victimisation of individuals across digital spaces through intimidation, harassment and bullying.

While the word cyberbullying may not sound too alarming to the ear, that misnomer is causing a spike in online crimes. A 2021 study found that nearly 90pc of 328 Pakistani students surveyed reported being victims of cyberbullying. Digital harassment of any kind can lead to low self-esteem, poor self-image, and depression. Past research has corroborated that victims of cyberbullying are 1.9 times more likely to consider ending their lives.

Despite the prevalence of cybercrimes in Pakistan, there are laws in place to better regulate harmful activities across digital spaces. Pakistan passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 that offers pathways to address cybercrimes in the country. Two sections of this act — sections 20 and 24 — specifically deal with cybercrimes. Section 20 states that a person who spreads information about an individual on the basis of falsehood, intimidation, and for the purpose of violating one’s privacy and/or reputation will be subject to three years of imprisonment and a Rs1 million fine. Section 24 addresses cyberstalking, including the use of information systems and the internet to stalk and harass individuals.

Although cyber laws are part of Pakistan’s legal framework, their implementation appears ineffective because according to the National Commission on the Status of Women, as of 2022, 72pc of Pakistani women are unaware of cyber laws that safeguard them against cybercrimes. Around 40pc of Pakistani women have been subjected to a series of cyberbullying techniques, including sexual harassment, blackmailing, hate speech, stalking and physical threats.

Maintaining silence on an issue of such severity may be a reason why women feel more victimised. But women cannot be blamed for staying silent either. The criminal justice system has historically discriminated against them, particularly victims of rape, often painting women as adulterers in the court of law and setting their perpetrators free under the controversial offence of zina (illicit sexual intercourse), which is part of the Hudood Ordinances. Cybercrimes are no different. Despite laws being in place to prevent cybercrimes, female victims often perceive Pakistan’s deeply patriarchal criminal justice system as untrustworthy — a system that should have protected them from the get-go.

That’s not to say that the law is perfect. Critics argue that the PECA has been put in place to effectively “harass and silence” people. Scores of politicians, journalists, activists and sometimes, even ordinary citizens, who dared pour out their frustrations on digital spaces have been hounded by law enforcement agencies ever since the law came into effect, writes digital rights activist Farieha Aziz for Prism.

From the lens of Pakistani celebrities

Cyberbullying can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic standing. Celebrities experience heightened cyberbullying because they are public figures and there are more eyes on them, especially online. Therefore, they are likely to experience impersonation, hacking, stalking and harassment at more alarming rates than the average person.

But celebrities are also in a better position to address cyberbullying and bring a kind of awareness to the issue that may help others out there.

For actor Mehwish Hayat, cyberbullying should not be equated with general criticism that celebrities experience. Cyberbullying is a completely different ball game that goes beyond disagreement, often involving targeted harassment, malicious intent, and sometimes even threats. “I’ve unfortunately encountered this as well,” she told Images.

“I generally try to ignore baseless negativity as engaging often only amplifies the issue. However, when false information is spread or when comments cross into personal attacks, I believe it’s important to take a stand,” she added.

Hayat believes that Pakistan’s legal system is not yet fully equipped to combat cyberbullying, and reporting incidents comes with a set of other problems.

The actor provided a few helpful strategies to mitigate cyberbullying. She recommended using blocking and reporting features on social media apps, keeping a track record of hateful, malicious messages, involving the authorities when necessary, and seeking help from family and mental health professionals if the issue affects the person beyond measure.

Actor Emmad Irfani also weighed in on the issue, taking on a more positive approach. “Disrespecting someone just is downright wrong,” he said. “I often tell myself though, let your haters be your biggest motivators.”

The model-turned-actor believes that the easiest thing in this world is to criticise. What is hard is to work on yourself and have tolerance, patience and kindness towards yourself and towards others, he said.

Hira Tareen, who has been a victim of cyberbullying in the past, also spoke out against it. “I’ve encountered cyberbullying in various forms such as comments from fake profiles, impersonations, threatening direct messages and false information being published online,” she told Images.

She added that cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to digitally morph images in an attempt to target women. “It’s shocking how many YouTube channels use vulgar, altered images of actresses as clickbait without any remorse,” she said.

Tareen feels that social media companies should be more proactive, deactivating problematic accounts more effectively, and making it easier to report cyber abuse.

“Broad measures like firewalls, which impact everyone, should be the last resort. The focus should be on creating a safer digital space while preserving the openness that allows so many to thrive,” Tareen said.

Faran Tahir, who has worked in both Hollywood and in Pakistan, labelled the crime “heinous and a cowardly practice.” He added that the consequences of this deplorable act have even driven people to end their lives.

“Cyberbullying is not limited to vitriol against people in the public, but has also harmed people living a private life. The pain caused by cyberbullies is something such people will have to answer to their conscience, and to God,” he said.

The government must take cyberbullying more seriously. Laws against cybercrimes that appear on paper should also be implemented, especially when it comes to people being harassed online. Unlike other countries where reporting cybercrimes is far easier and can be done without judgment, Pakistan is a country where the act of reporting cybercrimes can result in victim shaming and the villainisation of victims, especially in the case of women.