(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Mian Iftikhar Ahmad)
Multiple digital screens shut down across DHA, Shahrah-e-Faisal and Karsaz Road as precautionary measure, exposing serious cyber security gaps
Karachi: Several digital advertisement screens installed along Khayaban-e-Ittehad Road in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority were reportedly hacked by unknown individuals, resulting in the brief broadcast of obscene and inappropriate content, triggering public outrage and serious concern, especially as the incident occurred during daytime hours in a busy area frequented by families and children. Videos of the hacked screens quickly went viral on social media, prompting immediate action from the authorities.
Following the incident, DHA administration swiftly shut down the affected digital screens, while as a precautionary measure, multiple digital advertisement screens installed along other major DHA roads, as well as Shahrah-e-Faisal and Karsaz Road, were also temporarily turned off to prevent any further cyber intrusion or repetition of such content.
According to officials, investigations into the incident have been jointly initiated by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, the police cyber crime wing and relevant technical authorities. Preliminary assessments suggest that the hacking may have been carried out through remote access due to weak passwords, unsecured IP addresses or vulnerabilities in third-party advertisement management software. Authorities are also examining whether the act was merely a prank or part of an organised cyber network operation.
Cyber security experts have pointed out that most digital advertisement screens operating across Pakistan lack basic cyber protection mechanisms, including firewalls, encryption, two-factor authentication and regular security audits. These weaknesses make public digital infrastructure highly vulnerable to cyber attacks. The incident has once again highlighted the fragile state of cyber security within urban digital systems.
Legal experts say the act falls under punishable offences as defined in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, including unauthorised access, dissemination of obscene content and interference with public digital systems. If identified, the perpetrators could face heavy fines and imprisonment under existing cyber crime laws.
Meanwhile, civil society and concerned citizens have demanded the introduction of a strict regulatory framework for digital advertisement screens installed at public places, including mandatory licensing, continuous monitoring and comprehensive cyber security audits. Authorities have stated that once investigations are completed, those responsible will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
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