March 2021 Newsletter: DRF hosts National Privacy Conference in the COVID-19 era
April 21, 2021The Network of Women Journalists for Digital Rights strongly condemns the petition registered for treason case against Asma Sherzai
June 4, 2021Online Campaigns and Initiatives:
DRF’s Cyber Harassment Helpline finalist for World Justice Challenge:
The Digital Rights Foundation’s Cyber Harassment Helpline has been shortlisted as a finalist for the World Justice Challenge (organised by the World Justice Project), for its tremendous efforts in recording, documenting and reporting cases of online harassment.
DRF celebrates #GirlsInICT Day:
On the 22nd of April, the Digital Rights Foundation participated in commemorating the #GirlsInICT Day, discussing the gender digital divide, and how it holds back women and girls from interacting and understanding technology.
Policy Initiatives:
DRF Cyber Harassment Helpline releases statistics for March 2021:
The Digital Rights Foundation released the Cyber Harassment Helpline’s key statistics for March 2021, with 356 complaints marking an unprecedented 118% increase in reported complaints.
#AbAurNahin introduces directory of female lawyers:
#AbAurNahin provides a comprehensive directory of pro-bono lawyers for victims of harassment and abuse on both online or offline spaces, with thirty female lawyers extending their services across Pakistan. For further information, please refer to the following link.
Remembering Our Friends
DRF mourns the loss of IA Rehman Sahab
IA Rehman was a true champion of human rights, and an inspiration for all of us working towards making Pakistan a more equal place. Over the years he widened his understanding of the digital world. As time progressed he became more aware of modernity and technology and how it affects human rights. He was a strong voice against online censorship and supported digital rights and online freedom of expression. We are all left poorer without him. His life will serve a reminder to always fight the good fight, with strength and integrity. Our condolences and prayers are with his family and those who were close to him. May we continue his legacy by continuing to stand up against injustice.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of our very dear friend and @NWJDR member, Ambreen Zaman Khan. She was an amazing journalist who wrote about key issues, including digital rights and harassment. Ambreen will always be close to our hearts.
Rest in peace, Ambreen
Media Coverage:
Nighat Dad discusses privacy and cybersecurity on Facebook with Hum News:
In an interview with Hum News, Nighat Dad spoke about how the data leak of 533 million Facebook users’ personal data, and how the leaked data could provide valuable information to cybercriminals. You can watch the interview here.
Nighat Dad discusses gender rights with the Harvard Radcliffe Institute:
In a panel discussion for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute’s Women and Public Policy Program, Nighat Dad discussed how women in Pakistan are constantly surveilled in digital spaces, and that online platforms are inequitable as they include marginalised and disenfranchised groups.
Events and Sessions:
Nighat Dad participates in panel discussion for the Lahore School of Law:
In a panel discussion webinar on “Pakistan’s Personal Data Protection Bill: New Law, New Challenges”, Nighat Dad spoke about the plethora on emerging digital security challenges, and how Pakistan can develop a rigorous legal framework to deal with those emerging issues. You can view the session here.
Seminar on “Digital Security during COVID-19 and Beyond for Human Rights”:
The Digital Rights Foundation held a seminar on “Digital Security during COVID-19 and Beyond for Human Rights”, on the 30th of April. Dr. Ayra Patras moderated the seminar, in which members of both religious and gender minority communities shared their concerns and fears in digital spaces, and were subsequently advised on how they could secure themselves online from intimidation and harassment.
COVID-19 Updates:
Cyber Harassment Helpline:
Cyber harassment helpline is now available 5 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm through its toll free number and social media platforms.
You can contact the helpline on 080039393 or email us at
helpdesk@digitalrightsfoundation.pk between 9 am to 5 pm (monday – friday).
Ab Aur Nahin:
In times of COVID19 domestic abuse is at an all time high where victims do not have anywhere to go. Ab Aur Nahin is a confidential legal and counselor support service specifically designed for victims of harassment and abuse. www.abaurnahin.pk
IWF Portal:
DRF in collaboration with Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Global Fund to End Violence Against Children launched a portal to combat children’s online safety in Pakistan. The new portal allows internet users in Pakistan to anonymously report child sexual abuse material in three different languages- English, Urdu and Pashto. www.report.iwf.org.uk/pk
