Cyber crime · For citizens
Someone threatening to leak your photos?
In short
PECA names it, punishes it, and lets you ask for the content to be removed.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 10 October 2026 · 9 slides · 2 min read
Sound familiar?
This is a crime in Pakistan. It is not your shame.
- Send money or I share your pictures with everyone.
- You have 24 hours. Tell no one.
- Who can I even tell about this?
Example chat
The law names it.
Blackmail with intimate images is a specific offence under PECA.
“Whoever intentionally and publicly exhibits or displays or transmits any information which, … (c) intimidates a natural person with any sexual act, or any sexually explicit image or video of a natural person; … through an information system to harm a natural person or his reputation, or to take revenge, or to create hatred or to blackmail”
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 · Section 21(1), Offences against modesty of a natural person and minor
Up to 5 years. Up to Rs 5 million.
Section 21 of PECA.
- Offence under s.21(1)Imprisonment up to five years, or fine up to Rs 5 million, or both.
- Victim is a minor, s.21(2)Up to seven years and fine up to Rs 5 million.
- Repeat offence against a minorTen years and fine (proviso to s.21(2)).
Edited photo? Still a crime.
A fake is no defence.
- Myth: If the picture is edited, it is not a crime.
- Fact: Putting a person's face over a sexually explicit image or video is named in s.21(1)(a).
Followed online?
That can be cyber stalking (s.24).
- Repeated contactDespite a clear sign you are not interested, s.24(1)(a).
- Watching your messagesMonitoring your email, texts or internet use, s.24(1)(b).
- Sharing your photo or videoWithout consent, in a way that harms you, s.24(1)(d).
- PunishmentUp to three years, or fine up to Rs 1 million, or both.
What to do right now.
Stay calm. Keep the proof.
- Do not pay and do not deleteThe chat is your evidence.
- Screenshot everythingWith dates, numbers and account names.
- Report to NCCIAThe agency set up under s.29 of PECA for these offences.
- Ask for removalYou or your guardian can apply to the Authority to remove or block it (s.21(3)).
Ask privately. Free.
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- Someone made a fake account with my photos. What law applies?
- My ex is threatening to post our pictures. What can I do?
Example questions
What this does not mean
- Section 21 covers blackmail and display of sexual images or videos to harm a person. Other online harassment may fall under other sections, such as cyber stalking under s.24.
- An edited or fake image is no defence. Putting a face over a sexually explicit image or video is named in s.21(1)(a).
- Paying or deleting the chat does not help. The messages are your evidence.
Questions people ask
What is the punishment for blackmail with photos in Pakistan?
Up to five years, or a fine up to Rs 5 million, or both (PECA s.21(1)). If the victim is a minor, up to seven years and fine up to Rs 5 million (s.21(2)).
Where do I report someone threatening to leak my pictures?
Report to the NCCIA, the agency set up under s.29 of PECA for these offences. You or your guardian can also apply to the Authority to remove or block the content (s.21(3)).
Is it a crime if the photo is edited or fake?
Yes. Putting the face of a person over a sexually explicit image or video is named in PECA s.21(1)(a).
What should I do if my ex threatens to post our pictures?
Do not pay and do not delete. Screenshot everything with dates, numbers and account names, then report to the NCCIA.
Is repeated online contact a crime in Pakistan?
It can be cyber stalking under PECA s.24, for repeated contact despite a clear sign you are not interested. The punishment is up to three years, or fine up to Rs 1 million, or both.
Sources
- Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 · Section 21(1)
Offences against modesty of a natural person and minor Pakistan Code
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
