ABBOTTABAD: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Abbottabad, organised an awareness seminar and rally to educate citizens about cybercrimes, online fraud and the responsible use of social media.
The event was held under the directives of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and was attended by departmental officials, civil society representatives and journalists.
Addressing the seminar, NCCIA Deputy Director Abdul Wahab said an awareness campaign had been launched on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Naqvi to protect citizens from online crimes and promote responsible use of digital platforms.
He said responsible journalism should serve as a voice for the oppressed and highlight their concerns, but personally targeting individuals and spreading false information could constitute a cybercrime.
Abdul Wahab expressed concern over character assassination through social media, online harassment, crimes involving the sexual abuse of children and other forms of unlawful online activity.
He said legal action was being taken against individuals involved in cybercrimes, including the dissemination of unlawful propaganda against the state. Several cases have been registered and accused persons taken into custody, he added.
The deputy director said the NCCIA would strengthen coordination with media organisations to raise public awareness about cyber laws and online crimes. The initiative, he said, would help provide timely information to citizens while encouraging the positive and responsible use of digital platforms.
Speaking on the occasion, Abbottabad Press Club President Sardar Naveed Alam and Abbottabad Union of Journalists President Atif Qayyum said journalists had a responsibility to bring the voices of oppressed people to the corridors of power and highlight social issues.
They stressed the need to maintain a clear distinction between the responsibilities of professional journalists and general social media users.
The speakers said effective coordination between state institutions and journalistic organisations could contribute to preventing cybercrimes, improving public awareness and promoting responsible use of social media.
The seminar was followed by an awareness rally that proceeded from the Abbottabad Press Club to Shaheen Chowk. Participants carried banners highlighting cyber laws and precautionary measures for online activities.
The rally urged citizens to remain vigilant against cybercrimes and adopt responsible practices while using social media and other digital platforms.