On April 24, prominent journalist Gharidah Farooqi lodged a formal complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) after being targeted in an online harassment campaign. This campaign, which started on April 11, involved distributing morphed images and abusive messages concerning her appearance and attire across various digital platforms.

The NCCIA responded promptly to Farooqi’s complaint, leading to the arrest of one individual, Muhammad Saqib, in Chiniot. He is allegedly linked to creating and disseminating the offensive content. The authorities have secured digital evidence related to the case and anticipate making further arrests as the investigation progresses.

Farooqi stated that the harassment she faced is not just a personal attack but reflects a broader pattern of intimidating women. She warned that deleting the offensive posts will not prevent legal action, as all evidence has been meticulously documented.

Farooqi commended the NCCIA’s swift response, highlighting the importance of such actions in bolstering public trust in institutions and enhancing the safety of women in Pakistan. She expressed gratitude towards the NCCIA, particularly Director General Syed Khurram Ali, for personally overseeing the case and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women.