Two Suspects Arrested for Harassing and Blackmailing Women

By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore Pakistan
LAHORE: The  Punjab has arrested two suspects allegedly involved in harassing women, blackmailing them, spreading explicit content, and subjecting victims to mental and physical intimidation. The operations were conducted in Lahore and Gujranwala on the directions of Muhammad Ali Waseem.
In Lahore, NCCIA registered FIR No. 113/2026 and arrested suspect Syed Hamza Iqbal, a resident of Urdu Bazaar, Lahore. According to investigators, the accused allegedly used WhatsApp to circulate objectionable material related to the victim among her relatives and misused social media platforms to harass her.
During the raid, officials recovered two mobile phones, a WhatsApp account, and alleged explicit material. The case was registered under Sections 20 and 21 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, amended in 2025. Investigation Officer Najam Ashraf Bajwa is leading the inquiry.
In a separate operation, NCCIA Gujranwala arrested suspect Ejaz Malik in FIR No. 36/2026. Investigators stated that the accused allegedly lured the victim with a promise of marriage, obtained her private photos and videos, and later blackmailed her while pressuring her to separate from her husband.
Authorities further alleged that the suspect threatened to defame the woman on social media and cause her physical harm. During the operation, officials recovered a Samsung mobile phone, active WhatsApp accounts, and objectionable material.
The case was registered under Sections 20, 21, and 24 of the PECA Act, while SHO Shaheen Asghar Warraich is conducting the investigation.
Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Waseem said strict action against individuals involved in harassment, blackmail, and cybercrimes targeting women would continue without discrimination, adding that no leniency would be shown to such offenders.