Authorities in Karachi have sacked one individual following a disturbing incident in which explicit videos were played on digital advertising boards in the Defence Housing Authority area, triggering public outrage and a swift police response. The visuals reportedly appeared on screens operated by a private advertising company, raising concerns about possible digital tampering or internal misconduct.
South Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza confirmed that one person had been taken into custody in connection with the case, while investigators continued to determine whether the display systems were compromised through wireless access or manipulated by someone within the company. Initial assessments are focusing on whether the digital boards were hacked via Wi Fi networks or whether an employee intentionally interfered with the content controls. The incident gained rapid attention on social media late Wednesday evening, with multiple users sharing footage and claiming that the company’s advertising screens were broadcasting obscene material in a busy commercial area of DHA.
Following the reports, a formal case was registered against unidentified employees of the firm on the complaint of the company’s legal adviser. The charges were filed under Section 292 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which criminalizes the sale, circulation, public exhibition, or distribution of obscene material in any form. According to the first information report, the complainant stated that he was alerted by the company’s operations director, who informed him that explicit videos were being shown on surface mount device screens installed near Ayesha Masjid on Khayaban i Ittehad. The location, known for heavy traffic and pedestrian movement, amplified public exposure and the seriousness of the situation.
In the FIR, the complainant expressed strong suspicion that one or more employees may have deliberately displayed the inappropriate content in an attempt to damage the company’s reputation. He noted that the firm’s owners and directors were seeking legal action to ensure accountability and protect their business from reputational harm. Police officials have since seized relevant digital equipment and are examining system logs, access credentials, and network connections to identify how the content was introduced into the display system. Investigators are also questioning staff members responsible for content management and technical operations.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the security of digital advertising infrastructure across the city, particularly as such screens are increasingly controlled remotely through internet based systems. Experts note that without proper cybersecurity safeguards, digital signage can become vulnerable to unauthorized access or insider misuse, leading to both reputational damage and legal consequences for operators. While authorities have not yet confirmed whether the incident resulted from a technical breach or deliberate internal interference, officials emphasized that further sacking and legal action could follow as evidence emerges.
Residents in the area have voiced concerns over the lack of monitoring and safeguards on public display systems, calling for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the investigation continues, police say they are committed to determining the exact method used to broadcast the explicit material and ensuring that those responsible face appropriate legal consequences under existing laws.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
