Sextortion and other forms of digital coercion is rising fast in Pakistan. It essentially starts with trust and quickly turns into fear. Young boys and girls are largely targeted. A fake profile sends a friendly message. A quick video call happens. A screen recording is made without consent. Within minutes, the victim receives threats. Money is demanded. Silence is forced. Fear spreads. Many victims never speak. They fear shame, family reaction and public exposure. This silence gives power to the criminal. The damage is not limited to money. It affects mental health, confidence and even safety. Some victims face extreme stress and isolation.
This is happening because systems around them are weak. Many children use smartphones without guidance. Schools avoid direct conversations, families react with anger as opposed to support and platforms allow fake accounts to grow easily. Stopping this requires honest actions on our part as well. Parents need to talk openly with children about online risks in simple words. Children must know they can speak without punishment and schools need to include digital safety in daily learning. Law enforcement must also act fast when cases are reported and social media companies must take down fake accounts quickly and respond to complaints without delay.
Tania Shahjahan
Qambar Shahdadkot
