ISLAMABAD: The federal government has introduced a sweeping set of new rules for the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), enhancing its authority to combat a broadening spectrum of digital crimes across Pakistan.
NCCIA Director General Waqaruddin Syed confirmed that the revised regulatory framework has been forwarded to the agency for immediate execution. A pivotal update under the new rules is the NCCIA’s ability to freeze properties within the country, a strategic move aimed at disrupting the financial infrastructure of cybercriminals. However, all such actions will require prior authorisation from the DG to maintain oversight.
The upgraded guidelines also bolster the agency’s capacity for international collaboration. By working with foreign law enforcement bodies, the NCCIA aims to crack down on cross-border cybercrime syndicates that are increasingly sophisticated and global in nature.
The NCCIA’s jurisdiction covers investigations under key sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, and it will now coordinate more closely with provincial authorities and national security institutions to create a unified front against cyber threats.
To handle complex cases more effectively, the agency will be forming specialised task units, particularly focused on combating online financial scams and child exploitation.
In an effort to maintain transparency and professional integrity, new accountability measures have also been introduced. NCCIA officials will be required to wear uniforms, and an internal accountability division will be set up to monitor the conduct of personnel.
As per the new rules, investigations may originate from intelligence inputs or source reports. However, no inquiry can proceed without the direct approval of the Director General—ensuring a tightly managed investigative process.
These regulatory changes follow the recent successful dismantling of a major cybercriminal operation in Multan. The NCCIA arrested the primary suspect, identified as Arsalan from Dunyapur, who was reportedly involved in large-scale online fraud targeting both domestic and international victims.
The criminal group employed elaborate deception schemes on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Victims were lured with fraudulent offers, including fake game shows, bogus marriage proposals, and counterfeit aid programs. In many instances, the scammers used doctored videos showing piles of foreign currency to manipulate their targets into paying fake “taxes” in exchange for promised payouts—collecting millions in the process.
The fraud ring also exploited online matrimonial sites, using fake identities to gain trust before launching financial scams.
The new rules mark a significant step in equipping the NCCIA to meet the evolving challenges of cybercrime, with a strong emphasis on oversight, collaboration, and public trust.
