Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken a major decision aimed at strengthening action against social media harassment of women and children, approving new powers for police to handle cybercrime cases.
The chief minister has also approved the creation of a new department in Punjab on the pattern of a specialised crime division to deal with cyber offences.
Under the new measures, the Punjab Police will now have direct authority to deal with cybercrime cases, giving it expanded powers to act against digital offences.
Officials said that with this decision, victims of online harassment will be able to directly approach the police for help. Cases involving harassment, blackmail and other online crimes will now be registered immediately.
Police officials said the new system is expected to provide better protection to women and young people by ensuring quicker response and stronger enforcement against digital abuse.
Earlier, only the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was entitiled to handle the cybercrime related cases.
