DRF receives 11,681 complaints in past 5 years
The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), an NGO with a focus on internet and communication technologies to promote human rights in Pakistan, published its first five-year report in which it states that the organization has received a total of 11,681 complaints regarding cyber harassment.
In 2021 alone, DRF received 4,441 complaints, constituting 38% of the five-year total and indicating a sharp increase in online harassment. Women comprised a majority of total complainants at 68%, while men made up 30% and other genders one percent. WhatsApp emerged as the most frequently mentioned platform for harassment, followed by Facebook.
Of the complaints received by the organization’s helpline, 893 pertained to blackmail while 727 were regarding the non-consensual sharing of images.
Senate committee discuss Baloch students’ grievances
The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education, while discussing the alleged racial profiling of Baloch students by universities and law enforcement agencies (LEAs), directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Thursday to provide details regarding the number of Baloch students who have been reported missing.
Human rights advocate and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir informed the Standing Committee on enforced disappearances of Baloch students, stating that at least 31 students are currently missing.
Regarding the disappearance of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) student Hafeez Baloch from Quetta in February this year, the panel was told via a written reply by the university administration that a faculty member who had allowed LEAs access to students was issued a letter of displeasure.
QAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Ali further informed the committee that the university has implemented a new rule whereby no one will be allowed access to students without approval from management.
Three burned alive in Koh-e-Sulaiman forest fire
Three people from Samzai and Sharghali villages were burned alive while four sustained injuries while attempting to extinguish a fire spreading across pine forests on the Koh-e-Sulaiman mountain ranges.
The injured are currently under treatment at a district headquarters (DHQ) hospital in Zhob.
The blaze had been raging since May 9, with mainly locals making frantic efforts to put it out. Despite attempts by the provincial government, the fire could not be successfully controlled, prompting the military to intervene.
Official statements differ as to the cause of the fire, ranging from a lightning strike to arson.
