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LAHORE, Nov 25 (APP):Under the theme “Virtual Violence is Real Violence,” the Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) on Tuesday organized a cybercrime awareness programme at its head office, which saw large participation from female students of various colleges.
Several NGOs also set up food and decorative stalls, while experts briefed participants on digital violence, online harassment and women’s cyber safety.
PWPA Chairperson Hina Parvez Butt formally inaugurated the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, aimed at raising awareness and enhancing protection for women and girls against all forms of violence.
Speaking at the launch, she said gender-based violence is not only a social problem but a grave violation of human rights. She emphasized that its elimination requires collective responsibility from the state, institutions and communities, adding that the campaign is an important step toward empowering women with awareness and expanding access to immediate support services.
Hina Parvez Butt also visited the Pink Van, Punjab’s mobile police station and licensing unit for women, where female police officers briefed her on the facilities being provided. On this occasion, survivor support sessions, awareness lectures and a media communication campaign against cybercrime were formally launched.
In her address, the Chairperson said violence in the digital space is real and destructive, stressing the need for strong laws, advanced technology and widespread awareness to protect women from harassment, blackmailing and cyberbullying. She said that, in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision, the Pink Van initiative is delivering doorstep access to FIR registration, complaint handling, licensing and other police services for women. She advised students to strengthen privacy settings on social media and avoid responding to suspicious messages or calls.
PWPA Director General Kalsoom Saqib said the Authority is implementing a comprehensive strategy for women’s protection through legislation, improved service delivery and community engagement. She noted that, given the rise in cybercrime cases, awareness campaigns have been expanded in universities and colleges to ensure young women receive timely and accurate information.
FIA Cyber Crime Wing Lahore Assistant Director Forensics Ali Yazdan said most cybercrime incidents stem from lack of awareness and irresponsible social media use. Warning students about common risks, he highlighted that sharing passwords, clicking unknown links, recording of video calls, and uploading personal information can expose users to hacking and blackmail. He added that FIA responds immediately to complaints related to digital blackmail, fake IDs, WhatsApp hacking and misuse of private photographs. He stressed the importance of saving screenshots, chat records and call logs as evidence in any such case.