Mohsin Naqvi orders crackdown on cybercrime to be stepped up

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Central Zone headquarters in Lahore. He chaired a special meeting, which reviewed in detail the ongoing operations and investigations against cybercrime.

The meeting decided to step up the crackdown on online financial fraud, harassment and organised cybercrime networks. The interior minister inspected the complaints cell, the forensic lab and the investigation wing. The entire system was reviewed, from citizens’ complaints to investigation and action against suspects.

Mohsin Naqvi said that cybercriminals must be brought under the grip of the law, wherever they are sitting. He ordered a case-by-case review of pending cases and complaints and the removal of unnecessary delays. He said a citizen should not have to wait for months after filing a complaint. Every complaint should show timely progress.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also directed that digital forensic capacity be increased, modern forensic tools be used and investigation officers be given special training. He also directed that action be taken without discrimination against organised gangs involved in online financial fraud, fake accounts, digital blackmail and online harassment.

Mohsin Naqvi said an effective rapid-response system should be put in place so that, as soon as a complaint of financial fraud is received, the relevant institutions can be contacted in time. This would improve the chances of securing the victim’s money and reaching the suspects. He said a citizen should not have to wait for months after filing a complaint, and every complaint should show timely progress. He said new methods of cybercrime could not be countered with traditional investigation, but only with modern technology and a trained workforce. He said the NCCIA must truly become Pakistan’s Cyber Police, protecting citizens in the digital world through modern technology.

The federal interior minister directed that special priority be given to complaints from women and children about online harassment, blackmail and digital exploitation. He said protecting citizens’ data, privacy and financial interests was the basic responsibility of the NCCIA, and that the agency was being given modern technology, necessary resources and training for this purpose. He also directed that the public awareness campaign against cybercrime be made effective and that citizens be informed in time about new methods of fraud.

The Director General of the NCCIA briefed the federal interior minister on the performance of the Central Zone, cases under investigation, trends in cyber fraud and ongoing operations. The Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, the Director of the FIA Lahore Zone and other relevant officials were also present.