Blog | CYBERCRIME AND BLACKMAILING

The Internet is now the most powerful tool in the world. It has both pros and cons if it’s playing a useful role in the betterment of the world; on the other hand, one of the major disadvantages is cybercrime and blackmail. Cybercrime is basically an illegal activity conducted using computers and mobile phones. There are the following kinds of it: cyberstalking, hacking, cyberbullying, online Fraud and scams, Data theft, Phishing, Child pornography, etc. People use the private information and data of others and share it on different platforms, and many of them use the data to blackmail others, especially women. 

Key Aspects and Motive:

The major tools used by criminals are fake social media accounts, leaked data, spyware, and malware etc. Hackers are the ones who obtain personal data and then blackmail the victims. The major reason for the increasing ratio of cyber crimes is financial gain, revenge, humiliation, or a criminal mindset. 

Laws or Legal view of cybercrimes: 

In Pakistan, cybercrimes and blackmail are primarily governed by the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016[PECA], including the key sections 20, 12, 14, 24A, 26, and 28 special focus on cyber blackmail and harassment. According to the given sections, the penalties range up to 7 years imprisonment, and fines up to 5 million, or both. Other than these sections, 506 and 509 of criminal intimidation and insulting modesty under the Pakistan Penal Code [PPC]. These are the major laws we have for this crime, and some agencies enforce these laws: Federal Investigation Agency[FIA] Cyber Crime Wing, National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency [NCCIA], and Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team [PKCERT]. These are the agencies, but mainly the FIA handles the cases involving cyberbullying and blackmail. 

Critical Analysis and Cases:

As the ratio of this crime is increasing day by day in the modern world, where almost 63.9 of % population uses social media, according to Global social media statistics research, it is very easy for anyone to stalk and hack others’ accounts. Therefore, cases involving cybercrimes should be treated properly. In recent years, a number of cases were reported in which some highlighted cases are the Bahawalnagar Gang Arrest on March 28, 2025, the FIA Gilgit case, the Quetta Arrest-November 25, 2023, the Rawalpindi Arrestees-April 2023, and many others. First of all, people hesitated while registering such cases, especially women restricted by their families from registering cases for the sake of honor and dignity. People in rural areas are not educated and lack knowledge and proper guidance. On the other hand, there are many registered cases that are still pending due to a lack of consideration, and proper punishments are also not given to criminals. There should be laws made to address such cases, and also regarding the harsh punishments given to offenders that are necessary to control the situation and prevent these crimes. On an individual level, people must take several steps to limit the ratio of cybercrimes, such as using strong passwords, enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), limiting personal sharing on Social media, being careful with Friend Requests, not clicking suspicious links, avoiding sharing intimate Content, and verifying before sharing any information. The government should also create a 24/7 national cybercrime helpline with trained counselors. Increase the FIA Cyber Crime Wing offices. Add digital literacy & cyber safety to school and university Curricula, Invest in advanced digital forensics labs to trace cybercriminals efficiently. Provide training for local police officers on cybercrime investigation methods. Combating cybercrimes and blackmail is not just the responsibility of the law; it is a shared duty of individuals, communities, and the state to create a safer digital Pakistan and world for all.