Cyber Harassment and Digital Dilemma in Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan: Policy and Procedures of HEC Pakistan

Abstract

The study explored the cyber harassment cases in different regions, the perception of victims, and the public perspective on cyber harassment and digital dilemmas in higher education institutions in Pakistan. Furthermore, study analyzed the policy and procedures of cyber harassment cases & punishment in higher education institutions. The study was conducted through qualitative methods, and a narrative design was used. Data was collected through dual modes, document analysis & interview protocol. Initially, data was collected through related documents such as newspapers, reports, records, media reports, and government reports, and finally, data was collected through interviews with five teachers of higher education institutions in Pakistan and ten female students of higher education institutions of Pakistan with secure, shared consent and guarantee of privacy and protection about identity and data of the participants. The study explored increasing cyber harassment cases in higher education institutions and social insecurity due to digital dilemmas, which have created frustration and depression among parents, teachers, students, and stakeholders regarding cyber threats and virtual crimes against teachers and students, especially in the context of female teachers and students. Furthermore, the study explored that policy, procedures, and laws & punishment for cyber harassment believed to be so-called only in written formalities, which are null and void in implication. Cyber culprits are very intelligent to give any clue to the cyber harassment control team, and most of the time, cyber harassment culprits escape punishment, and day-to-day increasing cases of cyber harassment cases seem to be visible gaps and failures in the implementation of cyber harassment policy and procedure in higher education institutions of Pakistan.