Cyber Harassment and Digital Dilemma in HigherEducation Institutions of Pakistan: Policy andProcedures 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.