KARACHI: A local court has dismissed the bail application of a man accused of sharing intimate photos and videos of his ex-wife on social media after she filed for khula (dissolution of marriage), marking a significant development in a growing number of cyber harassment and digital privacy cases across Pakistan.
According to the case details, the accused allegedly began threatening and harassing his former spouse soon after their separation. The woman, who reported the incident to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), stated that her ex-husband distributed her private images and videos through WhatsApp, even sending them to her brother in an attempt to intimidate her.
The NCCIA registered the case under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, including Section 20 (offences against the dignity of a person), Section 21 (offences against modesty), and Section 24 (cyberstalking).
During the hearing, the defense counsel argued that the accused had been falsely implicated and that his detention was unnecessary. However, the judicial magistrate rejected the plea, emphasizing that releasing the suspect could endanger the complainant’s safety and obstruct the ongoing investigation.
The court’s decision highlights the judiciary’s tough stance on cyber exploitation and digital abuse, particularly cases where technology is weaponized to violate an individual’s privacy and dignity.
Authorities have confirmed that the accused will remain in custody while forensic analysis of the digital evidence continues. The NCCIA reiterated its commitment to pursuing cases of online harassment, urging citizens to report such violations through official channels.
With cybercrime cases on the rise, the ruling sends a clear message that misuse of personal data and online intimidation will not be tolerated under Pakistani law.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.