Speakers at a seminar held at the University of Karachi on Friday stressed the need for effective legislation, strict implementation of existing laws and greater public awareness to tackle cybercrime, online harassment, blackmail, character assassination and spread of disinformation on social media.
The seminar, titled ‘National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA): Challenges, Counter-Strategies, and Freedom of Speech’, was organised by the criminology department at the KU Chinese Teachers’ Memorial Auditorium. It brought together academics, cybercrime investigators and journalists to discuss the challenges faced by investigative agencies, the responsible use of digital platforms and the need to protect freedom of expression while preventing the misuse of technology.
Addressing the gathering, KU Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Wasim Qazi said crime should not be viewed merely as a violation of the law, as deviations from social values, unequal opportunities and a lack of moral training were also serious issues confronting society.
He said the establishment of a civilised society required respect for human dignity, mutual acceptance, effective legislation and proper implementation of the law. Every individual, he added, should be provided equal opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and progress, irrespective of their background.
The VC observed that denying people suitable opportunities to advance was a major social problem. He stressed that peaceful coexistence required respect for social traditions and recognition of the rights and existence of others.
Referring to cybercrime, Dr Qazi said the creation of fake online profiles, character assassination, internet harassment and online fraud were serious offences that required effective legislation and strict enforcement.
He maintained that legislation alone could not eliminate crime and that greater attention must also be paid to moral and social training within homes, families and educational institutions. Public awareness, consciousness and adherence to ethical values, he said, could encourage self-accountability and responsible behaviour, reducing the need for excessive surveillance to maintain discipline. Expressing concern over what he described as the abandonment of values, the VC said the erosion of ethical standards had become a significant national problem.
NCCIA Karachi Division Deputy Director Arsalan Manzoor highlighted the practical difficulties faced by investigators while probing cybercrime cases, particularly in obtaining essential digital evidence from online platforms.
He said securing relevant data from platforms and services, including Binance, Facebook, Instagram and Meta, remained a major challenge, as requests for information were sometimes met with privacy-related objections.
Manzoor stressed the need to clarify the scope of privacy rights and the circumstances in which they applied, particularly in cases involving harassment, blackmail or attempts to damage a woman’s honour and reputation.
He said freedom of expression was an important right, but it did not justify disseminating information without verification, evidence or regard for legal and ethical responsibilities. He called for stronger institutional support, effective legislation and concrete measures to ensure the implementation of existing laws. He also emphasised the need to educate the public about relevant legal provisions and their application.
Manzoor said the circulation of unverified news and allegations on social media could severely damage individuals’ reputations and private lives. People should therefore verify information before forwarding it to others, he added.
Journalist Mazhar Abbas said restricting the flow of information and failing to provide the public with facts were among the fundamental reasons behind the spread of false information and rumours.
He also said Pakistan had not been fully informed about its own history, arguing that historical facts could not be concealed indefinitely. Questioning the growing number of laws and investigative institutions in the country, he said the establishment of multiple agencies, particularly in areas such as anti-corruption and investigations, had complicated the system and created ambiguity regarding institutional responsibilities and the division of powers.
Abbas emphasised that combating disinformation required the timely provision of authentic and verified information rather than suppressing its circulation. Keeping the public informed, he said, was essential to counter rumours and prevent false narratives from gaining ground.
The senior journalist also expressed concern over the discouragement of critical thinking in educational institutions, saying it was restricting creativity and independent thought among students.
He said students should be encouraged to ask questions, examine issues critically and develop their own perspectives. Without such opportunities, he added, creative thinking could not flourish.
Earlier, Chairperson of the KU Department of Criminology Prof Dr Naeema Saeed delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the seminar. She discussed the challenges confronting the NCCIA, possible strategies to address them and issues concerning freedom of expression.
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