Government to Establish National Cyber Crime Agency

In a statement in the national assembly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the establishment of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency.

The decision was made due to the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) limited capacity to address the rising cybercrime incidents.

During the Question Hour in the National Assembly, Tarar assured that support will be provided until the new cybercrime investigation agency is fully operational. He added that the integration of certain FIA employees into the new agency would be considered.

The minister also clarified that ongoing cybercrime cases with the FIA would not be closed but transferred to the new agency. He made the statement in response to a question by Sharmila Faruqui, who inquired about the details of cybercrimes over the past three years.

The Interior Ministry presented a summary of the incidents reported to the cyber wing during that period. In 2021, the cybercrime wing received 115,868 complaints and verified 80,803 cases. They conducted 15,766 inquiries, registered 1,223 FIRs, secured 38 convictions, and had 88 suspects acquitted.

In 2022, there were 136,024 complaints with 83,552 cases verified. The department completed 14,380 inquiries, registered 1,469 FIRs, achieved 48 convictions, and 177 suspects were acquitted. Last year, the cybercrime wing received 134,710 complaints and verified 82,396 cases. They conducted 18,012 inquiries, registered 1,375 FIRs, secured 92 convictions, and 102 suspects were acquitted.