CM Maryam greenlights Punjab Cyber Crime Unit to curb online harassment

• Punjab CM approve establishment of dedicated Punjab Cyber Crime Unit to target rising social media abuse

• CM vows zero tolerance, calls cybercrime a serious threat to youth, saying Punjab Online Safety Act 2026 in the works for strict punishments

• Special mobile units to help minors report cases without visiting police stations

• Virtual Police Station, PKM app to ensure easy, confidential complaints

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday approved a major initiative to tackle the rising menace of harassment and blackmail on social media—particularly targeting women and children—by green-lighting the establishment of a dedicated Punjab Cyber Crime Unit, while reaffirming her government’s resolve to introduce stringent legislation ensuring exemplary punishment for offenders, according to a handout issued by the Punjab DGPR.

At a high-level meeting, it was decided that special mobile units would be launched to facilitate minor boys and girls affected by online harassment and blackmail, enabling them to lodge complaints without the need to visit police stations or offices.

Victims—especially women and children—will also be able to register complaints through a Virtual Police Station, the Cyber Crime Unit front desk, and the “PKM” mobile application, with complete confidentiality of their identities ensured, said a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

پنجاب حکومت کا احسن اقدام! خواتین اور بچوں کو ڈیجیٹل دنیا میں محفوظ بنانے کے لیے خصوصی سائبر کرائم یونٹ کا قیام عمل میں لایا جا رہا ہے۔ اب سوشل میڈیا ہراسانی یا بلیک میلنگ کی صورت میں مدد حاصل کرنا ہوا مزید آسان۔ آپ کی شناخت مکمل خفیہ رکھی جائے گی اور ٹیکنالوجی کے ذریعے مجرموں کو… pic.twitter.com/B1AjhgQKEg

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) April 10, 2026

The government has further decided to introduce strict legislation to ensure exemplary punishment for those involved in social media harassment and blackmail. In this regard, work has begun on the initial draft of the Punjab Online Safety Act 2026, which will soon be presented for approval.

The meeting also resolved to establish a Cyber Patrol Wing and a Cyber Police Academy under Punjab Police, alongside the introduction of an advanced intelligence system for effective monitoring and surveillance of social media. The chief minister directed authorities to adopt a proactive approach to curb cybercrime and ensure robust data protection measures.

CM Maryam Nawaz noted that cybercrime poses a serious and growing challenge, stressing that safeguarding the younger generation remains a top priority. She underscored that modern technology and tools would be fully utilised to protect young girls from blackmail, while urging parents to closely monitor their children’s social media usage, the CMO said.

پنجاب حکومت کا احسن اقدام! خواتین اور بچوں کو ڈیجیٹل دنیا میں محفوظ بنانے کے لیے خصوصی سائبر کرائم یونٹ کا قیام عمل میں لایا جا رہا ہے۔ اب سوشل میڈیا ہراسانی یا بلیک میلنگ کی صورت میں مدد حاصل کرنا ہوا مزید آسان۔ آپ کی شناخت مکمل خفیہ رکھی جائے گی اور ٹیکنالوجی کے ذریعے مجرموں کو… pic.twitter.com/Wr3Aal2ruO

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) April 10, 2026

She further asserted that no individual has the right to violate the privacy of others, reaffirming the government’s commitment to bringing cybercriminals to justice and setting a strong deterrent precedent.

Sindh governor calls on Nawaz Sharif, CM

In a related development, Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi called on PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore on Friday.

The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, with discussions on the country’s overall political and economic situation.

Governor Hashmi congratulated the leadership on Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Iran–United States ceasefire, terming it a significant diplomatic achievement, and expressed gratitude to Nawaz Sharif for his trust and confidence.