On 4th December 2025 under the global campaign 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISIM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE a panel discussion titled “From Hashtag to Action: Tackling Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan” was held with the objective of examining emerging challenges and responses related to digital forms of gender-based violence. The event opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Uzma Ashiq Khan, Chairperson Department of Gender and Development Studies, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, who highlighted the need for collaborative strategies to protect vulnerable groups online.
The central panel discussion, moderated by Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, featured distinguished speakers including Mr. Nadeem Ashraf from the National Commission for Human Rights, Ms. Seerat Khan from Digital Rights Foundation and Ms. Aaminah Qadir, a legal expert.
During the discussion, Mr. Nadeem Ashraf from the National Commission for Human Rights highlighted the law enforcement institutes that can register complaints regarding cyber bulling. Ms. Seerat Khan of Digital Rights Foundation discussed the alarming rise of privacy breaches, and non-consensual data sharing. She stressed the importance of digital literacy, victim support services, and awareness campaigns that empower women. Ms. Aaminah Qadir, a legal expert, added an essential dimension to the discussion by outlining the existing legal protections available to survivors of cyber harassment and digital abuse. She explained key provisions of Pakistan’s cybercrime laws, the roles of enforcement agencies, and the procedural challenges victims commonly face when seeking justice.
Collectively, the panelists emphasized that combating tech-facilitated gender-based violence requires a multi-layered strategy involving policy reform, education, community engagement, and technological safeguards. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session and closing remarks from Ms. Hina Pervaiz Butt, Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, emphasizing the need for sustained partnerships to foster safer digital spaces for women and marginalized communities. Souvenirs were distributed by Dr. Samuel Rizk, Dr Uzma Ashiq Khan & Dr. Ghazala Noureen, Chief Proctor LCWU. The event concluded with a group photograph.