JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 20, 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel Wednesday observed that non-existence of strict cyber laws was the main cause of a scandal like Axact which has tarnished the country's image internationally.
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials were of the view that they are capable of investigating and prosecuting cyber criminals, but in the absence of proper legislation, the agency is unable to prove the scam. The Axact scandal rang aloud in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology which met with Captain (Retd) Mohammad Safdar in the chair. However, the Ministry of Information Technology distanced itself from the matter, saying it falls in the jurisdiction of Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Federal Investigation Agency.
The committee met to go through the proposed amendments/suggestions received from general public/stakeholders on the controversial “Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill, 2015 (PECB). The panel was unable to finalize the bill and announced another public hearing for a specific time to be held Friday.
Minister of State for IT Anusha Rehman said that Axact scandal has occurred due to absence of cyber laws. The minister said the scandal has proven that cyber crime could easily take place in Pakistan.
Criminals involved in such activities are opposing the cyber crime bill, she said, adding that innocent people should not be punished in the case.
Briefing the committee FIA officials said the cyber crimes are increasing almost at the rate of 30 percent per annum, while almost 80 percent of the crimes are not reported just because people do not want to publicize it or they do not know where to go and at which forum to report in case of victimization.
About 60 percent of the reported crimes relate to social media. The problem with social media is that the service is located abroad and FIA do not have any appropriate law to get the required information from foreign organizations.
Chairman of the Committee said that Axact scandal, where a mafia is allegedly involved in fake degrees scam, has tarnished the country's image. He recommended that the government investigate the matter thoroughly before awarding TV license to the owners.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.