Think Before You Type: A Session on Cyberbullying in Pakistan

CBS-LUMS organised a panel talk on the crucially important issue of cyberbullying and creating inclusive digital spaces for all communities. The event titled “Think Before You Type: A Discussion on Cyberbullying in Pakistan” was held on February 6, 2023 at SDSB-LUMS

The session featured a diverse expert panel. Ghazi Taimoor Mirza (Adjunct Faculty and Former Head of Professional Education at SOE-LUMS) was the moderator. The powerhouse panelists were Nighat Dad (Lawyer and Founder of Digital Rights Foundation), Dr. Maryam Mustafa (Assistant Professor, SBASSE-LUMS), Maria Umar (Founder and Director of Women’s Digital League) and Usama Khilji (Activist, Columnist and Co-Founder of Bolo Bhi)

The discussion dissected various aspects of cyberbullying and cyber-harassment and the forms in which they exist and manifest in the digital realm. The panel also discussed the vulnerable communities in Pakistan that are at the most risk of physical and psychological trauma caused by cyberbullying and lack of safety in the digital spaces. Furthermore, the panelists spoke about the lack of a robust legal and policy framework in Pakistan that will ensure security and inclusivity in the digital realm, especially for children, women, and the minorities

The session concluded with policy opinions from each of the panelists, who unanimously said that Pakistan needs to adapt from international frameworks to develop digital security laws to ensure accountability while educating the masses about the code of conduct in digital spaces