In an age defined by the digital gaze, where every moment can be recorded, posted, and weaponized, the concept of dignity is in grave peril. The recent incident in Kasur, where videos of 55 individuals—arrested at an alleged “illegal” party—were deliberately recorded and leaked from within a police station, is not just a breach of privacy. It is a brutal assault on human rights and a damning indictment of how digital tools are being misused by those meant to uphold the law. Among the victims is a female social media influencer, now forced to live under the permanent shadow of viral humiliation. Her story is emblematic of a larger, more sinister trend: the transformation of law enforcement into a voyeuristic enterprise, where officers use social media not just to document, but to disgrace. This behavior constitutes a flagrant violation of Article 14 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees the inviolability of human dignity. Yet such practices persist, particularly in Punjab, where the absence of a robust cyber-monitoring mechanism has allowed a toxic culture to flourish unchecked. The suspension of five officers involved in this shameful episode is a step in the right direction, but it is woefully inadequate. Accountability must extend beyond mere disciplinary action. The entire framework of internet governance in law enforcement requires urgent reform. The Punjab Police rules already prohibit the recording and dissemination of suspects’ identities, but without enforcement, these guidelines are rendered meaningless. The government must immediately invest in strengthening cybersecurity within the police system. This includes forming a specialized cyber-patrolling squad, implementing comprehensive training on digital ethics, and introducing real-time monitoring systems to detect and deter such abuses. Equally crucial is rooting out rogue elements from within the force—those who exploit their position for personal gratification or social validation at the cost of others’ dignity. Online shaming is not a fleeting spectacle; it leaves behind psychological scars that can persist long after legal vindication. Victims suffer in silence while society turns a blind eye. The state must recognize that true justice in the digital age is not just about controlling internet content but ensuring that those wielding power do so responsibly. Cybercrime laws must be rigorously enforced, and victims must be empowered through legal support and psychological care. The real danger lies in normalizing this repulsive behavior, which only deepens the cycle of trauma and retaliation. If the state fails to act decisively now, it sends a clear message: that in Pakistan, dignity is disposable, and the internet is fair ground for moral lynching.
