Pakistan’s New Cybercrime Investigation Agency

KARACHI: Pakistan has officially transformed the Cybercrime Wing of its Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into an autonomous institution. It is now titled the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The FIA confirmed the restructuring in a statement on Tuesday, citing the “growing threats of cybercrime” as the primary reason behind the move.

“The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency has been established with full authority to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cybercrime across Pakistan,” read the official statement.

This development coincides with rising concerns over digital freedom in the country, as the government tightens its control over online content.

A Law Under Scrutiny: PECA and Its Expansion

The restructuring comes on the heels of recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The law was originally introduced in 2016 to counter hacking, harassment, and digital fraud. In January 2025, the law was significantly expanded, leading critics to argue that it now serves as a mechanism to silence journalists and stifle dissent on digital platforms.

According to the latest draft of the law available on Parliament’s website, the updated PECA mandates the formation of a regulatory authority for social media, with powers to launch investigations and operate its own tribunals. These bodies can impose prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to Rs. 2 million ($7,200) for spreading so-called “false or fake” information.

“This is the first time the government has provided a legal definition of social media,” said Information Minister Ataullah Tarar.

“There’s already a framework for print and electronic media. Now, complaints can be formally registered for social media as well.”

Journalists and Rights Groups Raise Red Flags

The changes have not gone unnoticed. In March 2025 alone, watchdog group Freedom Network documented eight cases of journalist intimidation, three of which directly involved the updated PECA law. The group condemned the new social media regulations, labeling them a “tool” used by state authorities to suppress free speech and target media professionals.

Pakistan’s global press freedom ranking reflects this tension: the country sits at 152nd out of 180 on the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) index.

NCCIA Takes Over: New Contact Channels for Public

With the NCCIA now operational, all cybercrime-related complaints are to be directed to the new agency. Citizens can contact the NCCIA via:

• Helpline: 051-9106691
• Email: helpdesk@nr3c.gov.pk

The agency is tasked with tackling a wide range of digital offenses, including:

• Online fraud
• Cyber harassment
• Digital blackmail
• Identity theft
• Fake websites
• Social media-related crimes

A Shift Amid Growing Restrictions

This structural overhaul arrives amid a broader pattern of digital restrictions in Pakistan. While platform X (formerly Twitter) remains banned, though accessible via VPNs, platforms like YouTube and TikTok have faced intermittent bans in recent years.

With the establishment of the NCCIA, Pakistan marks a pivotal shift in its cyber governance strategy. However, critics argue that the real test lies in whether the agency upholds cybersecurity without undermining digital freedoms.