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Lawmakers pressed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on its performance and digital law enforcement during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom held today. The session focused on concerns about the agency’s effectiveness and enforcement of online content rules.
The committee chairman questioned whether the NCCIA had been enforcing digital laws properly, urging it to address performance issues and improve its operations. He instructed the agency to strengthen its performance and ensure that relevant laws are applied rigorously across digital platforms.
Committee members also pointed to rising public criticism of the agency. Ali Qasim Gilani referred to a widely circulated video by YouTuber Ducky Bhai, in which he leveled serious allegations against NCCIA officials. The YouTuber accused the agency of harassment, misconduct, and the use of abusive language during proceedings. He also claimed that officials demanded a bribe of Rs. 20 million to settle his case.
Gilani said the video had been widely viewed and discussed, increasing public scrutiny of the agency’s conduct. The committee chairman stressed that such allegations could not be ignored and emphasized the need for transparent and lawful enforcement. He called on the NCCIA to work closely with lawmakers to ensure accountability and proper implementation of digital media laws.
The recent Rs 2 crore bribe allegations in the Quotex and Abu Huraira trading case have further highlighted concerns over the NCCIA’s effectiveness in regulating online trading in Pakistan. According to a TechJuice investigation, several investors, including Samad of Al Faisal Malls, claimed harassment, misconduct, and extortion attempts by NCCIA, with officials allegedly telling traders like Abu Huraira, “To get your case settled, pay us this much amount,” reportedly around Rs 2 crore. The case underscores the challenges faced by the NCCIA in enforcing digital and financial laws amid a rapidly expanding, largely unregulated online trading ecosystem.
The committee’s focus on the NCCIA comes amid broader digital regulation efforts in Pakistan. In recent parliamentary sessions, lawmakers have debated amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and other digital laws aimed at combating fake news, objectionable content, and cybercrime. These discussions reflect growing legislative attention to digital governance, online safety, and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
The committee’s call for improved performance at the NCCIA signals continued parliamentary oversight of digital enforcement agencies as Pakistan seeks to tighten its regulatory framework and respond to rising online challenges.
