Heavy Penalty Imposed in Cyber Harassment Case in Pakistan

Hasan Ali Leghari from Sindh, Pakistan, was fined PKR one million for sending indecent messages to a colleague. The complaint was lodged under new cybercrime laws, and his appeal to overturn the decision was rejected. The government is intensifying efforts to protect women against online harassment.

A man from Sindh province in Pakistan has been fined PKR one million for sending indecent messages to a female colleague via WhatsApp, in a significant case that highlights the enforcement of cybercrime laws in the country.

Hasan Ali Leghari was found guilty by the Federal Ombudsman's office after sending inappropriate communications to his colleague, Syeda Gulbadan Shahid, despite her warnings. She filed a complaint under the Workplace Harassment Act, leveraging new cybercrime legislation.

Although Leghari initially denied the charges, he was ultimately found guilty. His subsequent appeal to the president's office was rejected. This case comes amid heightened governmental efforts to safeguard women from harassment on social media, reflecting a broader commitment to enforcing laws against such behavior.

(With inputs from agencies.)