Tech Desk 
Oct 24, 2025
Experts and policymakers have warned that modern technology amplifies gender-based violence in Pakistan and contributes to more complexities and normalisation in society.
At the University of Karachi (KU), the Office of the Dean at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences organised a seminar titled 'Technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence: A Growing Threat', where the Member of the National Assembly, Dr Farooq Sattar, stated that harassment and discrimination have always been there, but the severity has gone up with today’s technology. The seminar was held at the Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium on Thursday.
Dr Sattar emphasised that awareness programmes must include both boys and girls to promote respect and equality among both genders. “If a woman can become the Prime Minister of Pakistan, then a daughter of Karachi can certainly become the city’s mayor,” he said, adding that a clear code of conduct for social media users is needed to curb online harassment and hate speech.
Karachi University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi expressed that Pakistan is failing to address gender-based violence effectively and called for better laws and regulations to tackle the issue.
He also noted that social media, mobile applications, and online platforms are being increasingly used as tools for harassment against women, affecting their mental well-being and one’s ability to socialise freely.
Advocate Supreme Court Dr Raana Khan also called upon victims to avoid silence, as 'victims have to speak up.' In addition to that, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Senior Council Member Mehnaz Rehman is in favour of having open forums to discuss face-to-face digital harassment as well.
According to the coordinator of the seminar, Dr Alia Ali Bilgrami, the seminar was intended to educate the youth on the positive and safe use of technology. Professor Dr Uzma Ali, Ms Qurat Mirza, and Advocate Dr Shahrukh Shahnawaz also provided expert insights into the legal and psychological angles of gender violence as it pertains to technology.
