Gharida Farooqi files cyber harassment complaint NCCIA action

ISLAMABAD: (X Post) – Senior journalist Gharida Farooqi has filed a formal complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency over what she described as an organised online harassment and gender-based digital abuse campaign targeting her.

In a statement shared on social media, Farooqi said individuals involved in circulating obscene and derogatory content against her image and attire had been identified, and legal proceedings were initiated immediately.

She added that the cybercrime agency has launched an investigation into the matter, with reports suggesting that arrests have already begun, including one suspect allegedly detained from Chiniot.

According to her statement, both she and authorities possess evidence of the alleged offensive material, and efforts are underway to apprehend remaining suspects within hours.

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Farooqi also warned that deletion of online posts would not hinder the investigation, as digital evidence has already been preserved and legal action will proceed against all involved.

She described the incident as part of a wider pattern of online harassment faced by women, aimed at intimidation and silencing. She also praised the cybercrime agency’s response and thanked its director general Syed Khurram Ali for supervising the case, noting the agency’s zero-tolerance approach toward cybercrime against women.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the investigation or reported arrests.