Blackmailing is a heinous crime that is committed by individuals who use sensitive and confidential information to coerce or threaten others for their own gain. The act of blackmailing is not only unethical but also illegal under the laws of Pakistan.
Media persons are individuals who are engaged in the profession of journalism, broadcasting, or other forms of communication. They have the power to influence public opinion and have access to sensitive information. Unfortunately, there have been cases where media persons have been involved in blackmailing individuals for personal gain.
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 is a law in Pakistan that criminalizes cybercrime and other related offenses. Blackmailing is considered a cybercrime and is punishable under the act. According to Section 20 of PECA 2016, "whoever coerces, intimidates or forces another person to do or abstain from doing an act or causes damage to another person by disclosing or threatening to disclose any information that causes harm to the reputation, privacy or dignity of another person shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine or with both."
In simpler terms, media persons who use sensitive information to threaten or coerce individuals for personal gain can be charged under Section 20 of the PECA 2016.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of media persons engaging in blackmailing. One such case is the Axact scandal, which involved a media group that was involved in the business of fake degrees. The media group was accused of blackmailing individuals who had obtained fake degrees from them. The individuals were threatened with the exposure of their fake degrees if they did not pay a certain amount of money to the media group. The case received widespread media coverage and resulted in the arrest and conviction of several individuals involved in the scandal.
Another case of media person blackmailing that made headlines in Pakistan was the case of Dr. Shahid Masood. Dr. Masood is a well-known media personality in Pakistan who was accused of blackmailing a parent of a child who had been raped and murdered. Dr. Masood claimed to have information about the case and threatened to reveal it unless the parent paid him a large sum of money. The case received widespread media attention and resulted in Dr. Masood's arrest and conviction.
The above cases are just a few examples of media persons engaging in blackmailing. Unfortunately, there have been several other cases of media persons using their power and influence to blackmail individuals for personal gain. The impact of such actions is not only damaging to the individuals who are being blackmailed but also to the reputation of the media industry as a whole.
It is essential for the media industry to take strict action against individuals who engage in blackmailing. The media industry should have a code of ethics that prohibits such behavior and sets guidelines for the conduct of media persons. Media organizations should also have a system in place for reporting incidents of blackmailing and taking appropriate action against individuals who engage in such behavior.
The government also has a role to play in curbing the incidence of blackmailing by media persons. The government should ensure that the laws relating to cybercrime are enforced and that individuals who engage in blackmailing are brought to justice. The government should also work closely with the media industry to develop policies and guidelines that promote ethical behavior and discourage blackmailing.
In conclusion, blackmailing is a serious crime that is punishable under the laws of Pakistan. Media persons who engage in blackmailing should be aware that their actions are not only unethical but also illegal. The media industry has a responsibility to promote ethical behavior and to take strict action against individuals who engage in blackmailing. The government also has a role to play in curbing the incidence of blackmailing by media persons by enforcing the laws relating to cybercrime and working closely with.
