In today’s digital age, cyber crimes can pose serious risks to individuals, businesses, and national security. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 is the piece of legislation that protect yourself and your digital presence. Here, in this guide, I tried to break down most common cyber offences falls under PECA 2016, their legal definitions, easy examples for understanding, possible remedies for victims, and the punishments offenders may face.
Whether you’re searching for trusted cyber crime lawyers in Pakistan, or specifically cyber crime lawyers at Lahore, this article provides clear, practical insights to help you stay informed and secure.
However, this blog is for general information and shall not considered as a legal advice, but at LEX, our dedicated cyber crime lawyers in Lahore and Pakistan specialize in handling all types of cybercrime cases under PECA 2016. If you are a victim of a cyber offence or need professional legal advice to protect your digital rights, our expert team offers tailored and reliable support. We appreciate our readers to contact us directly for legal advice.
Don’t hesitate to contact the us for effective legal solutions and to safeguard your online presence.
MOST COMMONS CYBER CRIMES AND THEIR DETAILS:
Unauthorized Access to Information System or Data:
Gaining access to an information system or data without the owner’s permission is a serious cybercrime.
What is unauthorized access?
It refers to accessing private or restricted digital resources without consent, often bypassing security measures to view, modify, or steal data.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 3 of PECA 2016 addresses unauthorized access, defining it as intentionally accessing a system or data without authorization, typically to gain an unfair advantage or cause harm.
Easy example:
Hacking into someone’s email account without permission to read their private messages.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Secure your devices and change all your passwords.
- Report the breach to the cybercrime authorities.
- LEX can help you take legal action against the breachers and secure your digital privacy. Contact us for more information.
Punishment for unauthorized access under PECA:
Up to 3 months imprisonment, a fine up to 50,000 PKR, or both.
Unauthorized Copying or Transmission of Data
Copying or transferring data without the owner’s permission is another common cybercrime.
What is unauthorized data copying or transmission?
It involves duplicating or sharing someone else’s data without consent, often leading to data breaches or identity theft.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 4 of PECA 2016 specifically deals with unauthorized copying or transmission of data, defining it as a punishable offence.
Easy examples:
- Downloading and sharing confidential business documents without the owner’s knowledge.
- Stealing confidential data of a company.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Immediately secure your data and limit access to trusted users only.
- Report the incident to the authorities.
- LEX can assist you in recovering your data, save data from further spread and pursuing legal action. Contact us for more information.
Punishment for unauthorized data copying under PECA:
Up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine up to 100,000 PKR, or both.
Interference with Information System or Data
This offence involves intentionally disrupting or damaging any part of a computer system or data without permission.
What is interference with information system or data?
It means causing harm or disturbance to the normal functioning of a system — like introducing viruses, deleting files, or slowing down a server.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 5 of PECA 2016 defines and penalizes interference with any information system or data with dishonest intent.
Easy example:
Someone hacks into a company’s website and installs malware that causes the site to crash repeatedly.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Immediately report the incident to cybercrime authorities.
- Isolate affected systems to prevent further damage.
- LEX can guide you through legal steps to recover losses and stop the offender. Contact us for more info.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 2 years, a fine up to 500,000 PKR, or both.
Unauthorized Access to Critical Infrastructure Information System or Data
This offence is about illegally accessing critical systems that are essential for the country’s security, economy, or public safety.
What is critical infrastructure?
Critical infrastructure includes key assets like power grids, water supply systems, transportation networks, and government databases.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 6 covers unauthorized access to critical infrastructure information systems or data, emphasizing the serious nature of this crime.
Easy example:
A hacker breaking into a power plant’s control system to manipulate its operations without permission.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Immediately notify the authorities responsible for infrastructure security.
- Take steps to secure and monitor the system closely.
- LEX offers expert legal support to address breaches and protect your rights. Contact us for details.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 1 million PKR, or both.
Unauthorized Copying or Transmission of Critical Infrastructure Data
This offence involves copying or sending data from critical infrastructure systems without permission, which can threaten national security.
What is critical infrastructure data?
Data that relates to systems vital for the country’s essential services, like energy, communications, transport, and government operations.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 7 specifically addresses unauthorized copying or transmission of critical infrastructure data.
Easy example:
Illegally copying confidential blueprints of a government telecommunications network and sharing them.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report the breach to the relevant government and law enforcement agencies immediately.
- Enhance security measures on critical data systems.
- LEX can assist you with legal recourse and help prevent further breaches. Contact us for support.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 5 years, a fine up to 5 million PKR, or both.
Interference with Critical Infrastructure Information System or Data
This crime involves damaging or disrupting critical systems or data that are crucial for public safety and national security.
What is interference with critical infrastructure?
It includes acts like hacking, damaging, or tampering with essential services such as electricity grids, water supply, or government networks.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 8 of PECA 2016 covers interference with critical infrastructure information systems or data.
Easy example:
Introducing malware into a city’s water treatment control system to disrupt its normal operation.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Immediately inform law enforcement and infrastructure authorities.
- Conduct a thorough system audit and enhance security.
- LEX can provide legal assistance and help coordinate with authorities. Contact us for more information.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 7 years, a fine up to 10 million PKR, or both.
Glorification of an Offence
This offence involves promoting or praising acts related to terrorism or criminal activities through electronic means.
What is glorification of an offence?
It means creating or sharing content that celebrates or encourages terrorism, violence, or crimes, potentially influencing others to follow suit.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 9 states that anyone who disseminates information glorifying terrorism or proscribed groups is punishable under the law.
Easy example:
Posting videos online praising terrorist acts or leaders to inspire others.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report such content to the social media platforms and authorities.
- Avoid sharing or engaging with such content.
- LEX can assist in filing complaints and ensuring removal of harmful content. Contact us for help.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 7 years, a fine up to 10 million PKR, or both.
Cyber Terrorism
Cyber terrorism involves using digital means to threaten, coerce, or intimidate governments or the public to achieve political or ideological goals.
What is cyber terrorism?
It includes attacks or threats aimed at creating fear, insecurity, or hatred through hacking critical systems or spreading terror messages online.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 10 defines cyber terrorism as committing offences under Sections 6, 7, 8, or 9 with intent to terrorize or destabilize.
Easy example:
Launching a ransomware attack on government networks to disrupt public services and demand ransom.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report incidents immediately to national security agencies.
- Strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
- LEX can provide expert legal advice and coordinate with authorities for your protection. Contact us for assistance.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 14 years, a fine up to 50 million PKR, or both.
Hate Speech
Hate speech involves spreading messages that promote hatred or violence based on religion, race, ethnicity, or sect.
What is hate speech?
It means sharing content that incites hatred, discrimination, or violence against specific groups or communities.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 11 covers hate speech, penalizing those who disseminate content likely to advance interfaith, sectarian, or racial hatred.
Easy example:
Posting inflammatory messages targeting a religious minority on social media.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report hate speech to social media platforms and authorities.
- Avoid engaging or responding to hateful messages.
- LEX can help you file complaints and pursue legal remedies. Contact us for support.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 7 years, a fine, or both.
Recruitment, Funding, and Planning of Terrorism
This offence relates to using electronic means to recruit, fund, or plan terrorist activities.
What is recruitment, funding, and planning of terrorism?
It includes sending messages or sharing information that motivates people to join terrorist groups or provides financial or logistical support.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 12 addresses the preparation and dissemination of information for terrorism-related recruitment, funding, or planning.
Easy example:
Using social media to solicit donations for a terrorist organization.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately.
- Avoid sharing or spreading such content.
- LEX can support you in reporting and legal follow-up. Contact us for details.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 7 years, a fine, or both.
Electronic Forgery
Electronic forgery means digitally altering or manipulating data or documents with the intent to deceive or cause harm.
What is electronic forgery?
It involves tampering with electronic records, such as forging signatures, modifying contracts, or falsifying digital evidence.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 13 defines electronic forgery as inputting, altering, deleting, or suppressing data with intent to commit fraud or cause damage.
Easy example:
Changing the amount on an electronic invoice to siphon off money fraudulently.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report the forgery to authorities and preserve all electronic evidence.
- Consult with legal experts to challenge forged documents.
- LEX can help you investigate and take legal action. Contact us for assistance.
Punishment under PECA:
- Imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 250,000 PKR, or both.
- If related to critical infrastructure, imprisonment may extend to 7 years and fines up to 5 million PKR.
Electronic Fraud
Electronic fraud involves deceiving someone through digital means to gain wrongful financial or personal benefit.
What is electronic fraud?
It includes scams, phishing, fake online businesses, or any dishonest act causing loss or damage via electronic systems.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 14 punishes anyone who interferes with or uses data or information systems to commit fraud.
Easy example:
Sending fake emails pretending to be a bank to trick someone into revealing their account details.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Immediately report fraud to authorities and your financial institutions.
- Change your passwords and secure your accounts.
- LEX can guide you on legal steps and help recover losses. Contact us for more info.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 2 years, a fine up to 10 million PKR, or both.
Making, Obtaining, or Supplying Device for Use in Offence
This offence covers producing or distributing devices or tools intended to commit cybercrimes.
What is making, obtaining, or supplying devices for offences?
It means creating or selling software, hardware, or tools designed to hack, intercept, or disrupt information systems.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 15 penalizes anyone who makes or supplies devices with the intent they be used for committing electronic crimes.
Easy example:
Selling hacking software designed to steal passwords or intercept communications.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report suspicious devices or software to authorities immediately.
- Avoid using or purchasing unauthorized hacking tools.
LEX can help you take legal action against suppliers of illegal devices. Contact us for support
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 6 months, a fine up to 50,000 PKR, or both.
Unauthorized Use of Identity Information
This offence involves obtaining, using, or selling someone else’s personal identity information without permission.
What is unauthorized use of identity information?
It includes stealing personal details like names, photos, or identification numbers to impersonate or defraud.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 16 covers the unauthorized obtaining, selling, or use of identity information.
Easy example:
Using someone’s identity details to open a bank account or create fake social media profiles for example fake Facebook profile or ID.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report identity theft to authorities and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
- Request the Authority to block or remove unauthorized identity information.
- LEX can assist you in legal proceedings to protect your identity. Contact us for help.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 5 million PKR, or both.
Unauthorized Issuance of SIM Cards
This offence involves selling or providing SIM cards without proper verification of the buyer’s identity.
What is unauthorized issuance of SIM cards?
It means distributing SIM cards without following the official procedure for subscriber verification.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 17 addresses unauthorized issuance of SIM cards and other related modules.
Easy example:
Selling prepaid SIM cards to someone without verifying their identity as required by law.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report suspicious SIM card issuance to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority or law enforcement.
- Monitor your mobile number usage for unauthorized activity.
- LEX can guide you in filing complaints and taking legal action. Contact us for more info.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 500,000 PKR, or both.
Tampering of Communication Equipment
This offence involves unauthorized altering or reprogramming of communication devices.
What is tampering with communication equipment?
It includes changing unique device identifiers or software on devices like mobile phones without authorization.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 18 deals with tampering of communication equipment including cellular handsets.
Easy examples:
- Changing the IMEI number of a mobile phone to hide its identity.
- Cloning a mobile device.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report tampered devices to authorities immediately.
- Avoid using altered devices.
- LEX can assist you in legal proceedings and reporting. Contact us for support.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 1 million PKR, or both.
Unauthorized Interception
This offence involves intercepting any communication or data without permission.
What is unauthorized interception?
It includes secretly capturing transmissions, such as emails or phone calls, that are not meant to be public.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 19 addresses unauthorized interception by technical means.
Easy example:
Using software or hacks someone’s electronic device to listen in on someone’s private phone conversations or access personal data without consent.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report the interception to law enforcement immediately.
- Secure your communication channels.
- LEX can guide you on legal action to stop and penalize offenders. Contact us for help.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 2 years, a fine up to 500,000 PKR, or both.
Offences Against Dignity of a Natural Person
This offence covers publicly displaying or transmitting false information that harms someone’s reputation or privacy or cause online defamation.
What are offences against dignity?
It means sharing false content to intimidate, defame, or harass an individual.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 20 punishes intentionally spreading false information damaging to a person’s dignity.
Easy example:
Posting fake and harmful rumors about someone on social media to ruin their reputation or in order to defame such person.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Apply to the Authority for removal or blocking of such false information.
- File complaints with cybercrime authorities.
- LEX can help you take legal action and protect your dignity. Contact us for assistance.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 1 million PKR, or both.
Offences Against Modesty of a Natural Person and Minor
This crime involves distributing or showing nudes or sexually explicit images or videos of someone without consent.
What are offences against modesty?
It includes superimposing someone’s face on explicit content i.e., deepfakes, sharing private sexual images or videos scandals, or threatening with such content.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 21 deals with offences against modesty of persons, with harsher penalties if the victim is a minor.
Easy example:
Sharing intimate, nude, sexually explicit, fake nudes photos or AI made fake explicit videos of a person online to harm or blackmail them.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report the content to the Authority for removal or blocking.
- Inform law enforcement and preserve evidence.
- LEX can assist you with legal support and protection. Contact us for help.
Punishment under PECA:
- Imprisonment up to 5 years and fine up to 5 million PKR.
- If the victim is a minor, imprisonment up to 7 years and fine up to 5 million PKR.
- Repeat offenders involving minors face imprisonment up to 10 years.
Child Pornography
This offence involves producing, distributing, or possessing sexual content involving minors.
What is child pornography?
It includes real or simulated sexual images or videos of children or those appearing to be minors.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 22 punishes creating or sharing child sexual abuse material and disclosing a minor’s identity.
Easy example:
Sharing explicit videos of minors over the internet.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report immediately to the Authority or law enforcement for removal and investigation.
- Preserve evidence and avoid sharing such material.
- LEX offers legal help and victim support. Contact us for assistance.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment between 14 to 20 years and a fine not less than 1 million PKR.
Online Grooming, Solicitation, and Cyber Enticement
This offence involves building trust with a minor online to facilitate sexual abuse or exploitation.
What is online grooming?
It means communicating with a minor through electronic means intending to abuse or exploit them sexually.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 22A addresses online grooming, solicitation, and cyber enticement with strict penalties.
Easy example:
An adult befriending a child online and persuading them to share explicit images.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report the offender to cybercrime authorities immediately.
- Avoid further contact and preserve evidence.
- LEX can assist you in legal action and protection measures. Contact us for help.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment between 5 to 10 years and fines from 500,000 to 10 million PKR.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
This offence involves using electronic systems for child prostitution, sex tourism, or any form of child sexual exploitation.
What is commercial sexual exploitation of children?
It includes any form of payment or exchange in kind involving minors for sexual activities facilitated via electronic means.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 22B punishes anyone involved directly or indirectly in child sexual exploitation through electronic systems.
Easy example:
Organizing and promoting child sex tourism online.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report any such activities immediately to law enforcement.
- Cooperate with authorities for investigation.
- LEX provides legal support and victim advocacy. Contact us for assistance.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment between 14 to 20 years and a fine not less than 1 million PKR.
Use of Information System for Kidnapping, Abduction, or Trafficking of Minor
This offence involves using electronic communication to kidnap, abduct, or traffic minors for exploitation.
What is use of information system for kidnapping or trafficking?
It includes contacting minors via digital means with intent to abduct or exploit them sexually or commercially.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 22C covers offences related to kidnapping, abduction, or trafficking of minors using electronic systems.
Easy example:
An online predator contacting a minor to arrange illegal transportation or trafficking.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- An online predator contacting a minor to arrange illegal transportation or trafficking.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment between 14 to 20 years and a fine not less than 1 million PKR.
Malicious Code
This offence involves intentionally creating or distributing harmful software designed to damage or disrupt computer systems.
What is malicious code?
Malicious code includes viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, or any program that damages data or impairs system performance.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 23 punishes willful distribution or transmission of malicious code through electronic systems.
Easy example:
Uploading a virus to a company’s server to corrupt data and halt operations.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Isolate infected systems immediately.
- Report to cybercrime authorities for investigation.
- LEX can assist in legal proceedings and recovery efforts. Contact us for support.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 2 years, a fine up to 1 million PKR, or both.
Cyber Stalking
Cyber stalking is using electronic means to harass, intimidate, or coerce someone repeatedly despite their disinterest.
What is cyber stalking?
It includes following someone online, sending unwanted messages, spying on their digital activity, or sharing their images without consent.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 24 defines cyber stalking and outlines punishments for offenders.
Easy example:
Continuously messaging someone who has asked not to be contacted or posting their private photos online to intimidate them.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Block the stalker on all platforms and report to authorities.
- Keep records of all communications and harassment.
- LEX can help you file complaints and seek legal protection. Contact us for assistance.
Spamming
Spamming is sending unsolicited, misleading, fraudulent, or harmful information electronically without permission.
What is spamming?
It includes sending bulk emails or messages for commercial or illegal purposes without recipient consent.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 25 covers offences related to spamming and unauthorized direct marketing.
Easy example:
Receiving thousands of unwanted marketing emails promoting fake products.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Use spam filters and report spammers to your service provider.
- Opt-out from direct marketing where possible.
- LEX can assist with legal actions against persistent spammers. Contact us for support.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 3 months, fines ranging from 50,000 to 5 million PKR, or both.
Spoofing
Spoofing is the act of creating a counterfeit identity or website to mislead someone into believing it is an authentic source, often for fraudulent purposes.
What is a duplicate or counterfeit website?
A duplicate or counterfeit website mimics a genuine site to deceive visitors, steal sensitive information, or spread malware. These sites may look identical to the real ones, using similar domain names or design to trick users.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
According to Section 26 of PECA 2016, spoofing is defined as establishing a website or sending information with a counterfeit source intended to be perceived as genuine. This can include fake emails, cloned websites, or manipulated messages.
Easy example:
Imagine receiving an email that appears to be from your bank, asking you to update your password. However, the link directs you to a fake site designed to steal your credentials.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Change your passwords immediately.
- Report the fake website to the relevant authorities.
- LEX can guide you on legal actions to secure your data and prevent further damage. Contact us for more information.
Punishment under PECA:
Under Section 26 of PECA 2016, spoofing is punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years, a fine up to 500,000 PKR, or both.
Punishment for False and Fake Information
This offence covers intentionally spreading false or fake information through electronic means that causes fear, panic, or unrest.
What is false and fake information?
It involves sharing misleading or fabricated news or data that disturbs public order or safety.
Dealing section under PECA 2016:
Section 26A punishes dissemination of false or fake information that may cause public disorder.
Easy example:
Posting fake news about an imminent disaster that causes panic in the community.
Remedies if you are a victim:
- Report false information to social media platforms and authorities.
- Verify facts before sharing any information.
- LEX can help you file complaints and ensure such content is removed. Contact us for assistance.
Punishment under PECA:
Imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 2 million PKR, or both.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dealing with online harassment, data breaches, or identity theft, LEX comes in. Our cyber crime lawyers in Lahore and across Pakistan are equipped to defend your digital rights and guide you through every step of the legal process. At LEX, our dedicated cyber crime lawyers in Pakistan specialize in handling all types of cybercrime cases under PECA 2016.
If you are a victim of a cyber offence or need professional legal advice to protect your digital rights, our expert team offers tailored and reliable support. Don’t hesitate to contact the cyber crime lawyers at LEX for effective legal solutions and to safeguard your online presence. Privacy is secrecy shall be kept.
