Cyber Harassment Complaints in Pakistan: How the Process Works Under PECA
Online harassment, blackmail and impersonation are prosecuted under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Here's what filing — or defending — a complaint involves.
Harassment carried out online — threats, blackmail using private images, impersonation, or targeted abuse — falls under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) rather than ordinary criminal provisions alone. The FIA's Cyber Crime Wing is typically the first point of contact for a complaint.
What to preserve before filing
Screenshots alone are often not enough — courts and investigators give more weight to evidence that preserves metadata, URLs, timestamps and account details. We advise clients to secure this before confronting the other party, since accounts and content frequently disappear once someone realises they're being reported.
What happens after a complaint is filed
The FIA investigates, which can include forensic examination of devices and accounts, before a case is referred for prosecution. Timelines vary considerably depending on whether the accused is identifiable and cooperative.
If you're the one accused
Not every complaint reflects the full picture, and accusations under PECA can be based on messages or content taken out of context. Early legal advice on how to respond to an FIA notice — including whether a pre-arrest bail application is warranted — matters as much here as in any other criminal matter.
This article is general information about Pakistani law and procedure, not legal advice for any specific matter. If this touches on something you're currently facing, get in touch and we'll advise on your facts directly.