A legal analysis of how algorithmic systems and AI-driven political communication reinforce gendered exclusion in Pakistan’s digital political spaces, and what rights-based AI governance would require to close the gap.
By Ammara Kalsoom, Government Liaison Advisor, Alliance for Equitable AI · Published in the Journal of Law & Social Studies (JLSS), Vol. 8, No. 1 · May 2026
Abstract
Drawing on doctrinal legal analysis, feminist legal theory and comparative governance perspectives, this paper examines how automated moderation, synthetic media and data-driven political communication in Pakistan disproportionately expose women politicians, journalists and activists to cyberstalking, deepfake manipulation and algorithmically amplified misogyny. It evaluates the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and its 2025 amendment against international AI-governance standards, and argues that Pakistan needs transparent, rights-based AI governance capable of protecting women’s digital political participation while preserving constitutional freedoms.