The Ministry of Human Rights, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, launched Pakistan’s first National Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Islamabad on 6 March 2026. The strategy frames digital safety as a governance priority and commits to a coordinated, survivor-centred, and rights-based approach to TFGBV.
Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, called the strategy a landmark step, noting that as more women and girls use digital platforms for education, work, and civic participation, new threats such as cyber stalking, doxxing, coordinated trolling and AI-generated abuse have emerged across social and professional backgrounds. He said the strategy will strengthen institutional coordination, enhance survivor protection, and promote responsible engagement with digital platforms.
Abdul Khalique Sheikh, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, outlined a roadmap to operationalise the strategy, highlighting the need for strengthened inter-agency coordination and institutional accountability to ensure effective implementation of TFGBV measures nationwide.
The launch underscored a stark protection gap despite growing digital inclusion: eight million new female users came online in 2024, while that same year saw 135,000 cybercrime complaints and only 826 cases proceeding to prosecution, a rate of 0.6 percent. The strategy aims to close this gap through stronger prevention, protection mechanisms and clearer pathways to justice for survivors.
Saba Sadiq, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights, emphasised that public awareness and collective responsibility are critical to addressing online harms. She said the strategy will guide efforts to promote safer digital environments and empower women and girls to participate confidently online.
Dr. Nafisa Shah, Chairperson of the Gender Mainstreaming Committee in the National Assembly, stressed that ensuring accountability and strengthening the justice system are central to combating TFGBV. She described the strategy as a framework for institutions to respond effectively and to protect survivors while upholding rights in digital spaces.
The event included a strategic overview, discussion on implementation considerations and a panel on translating the strategy into effective institutional responses and survivor-centred delivery, with contributions from public institutions, oversight bodies and civil society stakeholders.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP Resident Representative, framed the strategy as a forward-looking governance reform that embeds safety and accountability into Pakistan’s digital governance mechanisms and called for rapid translation into practice. Sam Waldock from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office highlighted the need for sustained partnerships and practical action to ensure women and girls are protected online.
The National Strategy on TFGBV sets a structured pathway to strengthen institutional response, protect rights and advance safer digital protection for women and girls across Pakistan, prioritising prevention, survivor support and multi-stakeholder accountability.
