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Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched a sweeping reform proposal to counter the rise of online financial fraud.
The agency recommends a joint operational mechanism merging the forces of FIA, PTA, State Bank of Pakistan, and telecom operators to conduct synchronized raids on fraud networks. A rapid reporting system and a standardized digital evidence framework are also proposed to expedite investigations and legal actions.
Online Financial Frauds On the Rise
The NCCIA is sounding the alarm about how advanced fraud centers, particularly those using VoIP technology (mainly call centers), are seriously undermining public trust in Pakistan’s digital financial systems. Their strategy involves introducing stronger legal measures, implementing detection-based blocks on illegal VoIP traffic, and launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to help users protect themselves from scams.
From April to July 2025, the agency reported a staggering 50,500 cybercrime complaints, filed 457 FIRs, and made 690 arrests, highlighting a significant rise in cybercrime activity.
Expanded Enforcement Powers Launched
Under new regulations, NCCIA can now freeze properties tied to cybercrime. It is a significant expansion in its toolkit. However, it needs approval from the Director-General. The agency will also establish specialized units focused on financial fraud and child exploitation. It will also bolster international collaboration for combating cross-border cybercrime.
How Can Pakistan Stand Against Online Financial Fraud
With internet usage at 45.7% (116 million users) Pakistan’s cyber risk landscape is expanding rapidly. This data projects that if things remain unchanged, major phishing, credit and banking fraud, and identity theft will spiral out of control. Unless NCCIA suggested reforms are integrated into existing systems.
The reforms proposed by the NCCIA aim to shatter this vicious cycle by tightening enforcement, enhancing institutional coordination, and educating the public. These efforts mark a strategic shift from reaction to prevention approach in the cybersecurity sphere.
If implemented swiftly, these reforms could significantly restore trust in the country’s digital finance ecosystem.
