LAHORE: The Pakistani government has decided to further intensify its crackdown on online financial fraud, harassment, and organized cybercrime networks.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Central Zone headquarters in Lahore and chaired a special meeting where he ordered authorities to accelerate action against cybercrime.
During the meeting, Naqvi reviewed ongoing operations and investigations into cybercrime cases. He also inspected the complaints cell, forensic laboratory, and investigation wing, reviewing the process from the registration of citizens’ complaints to investigations and action against suspects.
The meeting decided to step up the crackdown on organized groups involved in online financial fraud, harassment, and other cybercrimes. Naqvi directed authorities to take strict action against organized groups involved in financial fraud and those operating fake accounts.
He also ordered action against individuals involved in digital blackmail and online harassment.
“Anyone committing cybercrime, regardless of where they are operating from, must be brought within the ambit of the law,” Naqvi said. He also directed officials to establish an effective rapid-response mechanism so that complaints of financial fraud are acted upon immediately.
Naqvi said citizens should not have to wait for months after filing complaints and stressed that progress on every complaint should be visible within a reasonable timeframe.
He ordered a case-by-case review of pending cases and complaints and directed officials to eliminate unnecessary delays. He also called for increased digital forensic capacity, the use of modern forensic tools, and specialized training for investigation officers.
According to the minister, new forms of cybercrime can only be tackled through modern technology and a trained workforce.
“We have to make the NCCIA a true cyber police force of Pakistan,” Naqvi said, adding that protecting citizens’ data, privacy, and financial interests is a fundamental responsibility of the agency.
