Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari Criticizes FIA Cyber Crime Wing for Ineffectiveness

LahoreضPunjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari has criticized the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing for its lack of action, stating that they are ineffective and merely drawing salaries without contributing to resolving cybercrime issues. She urged the Prime Minister to consider shutting down the FIA Cyber Crime Wing.

Speaking to the media outside the Lahore High Court, Bukhari expressed her frustration, stating that she felt like crying in court due to repeated adjournments. She criticized the judiciary for continually postponing her cases, forcing her to take time off from her other responsibilities to attend court hearings.

Bukhari noted that the issue began on social media and continues with posts being uploaded against her. She questioned the allowance of VPN use in Pakistan, comparing it unfavorably with restrictions in other countries. She pointed out that despite her complaints, there has been no action from the authorities, exacerbating her distress and humiliation.

She praised the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court for her understanding of social media issues and efforts to address the matter. Bukhari declared her determination not to back down from the issue, lamenting the lack of an effective legal system and institutional understanding in Pakistan.

Bukhari also mentioned discrepancies in the investigation process, stating that the FIA had not yet traced the Facebook account where the alleged fake video was first uploaded. She criticized the FIA for their inability to track the source, which she believes emboldens digital terrorists.

Expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people facing oppression, Bukhari drew a parallel between their struggle and her own fight against the misuse of social media in Pakistan.

It is noteworthy that on July 25, Azma Bukhari had filed a petition in the Lahore High Court against PTI social media activist Falak Javed, accusing him of editing and spreading her pictures on social media. In her petition, she requested the FIA to take action under the Peca Act and sought a report on their proceedings, as well as placing Falak Javed’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL).