In a major shakeup of the country’s cybercrime enforcement landscape, the Pakistani government has dissolved the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing and established a new agency, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
The move, announced by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, aims to streamline cybercrime investigations and enhance national capability in this critical area. The official notification cites the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, 2016 (PECA) as the legal basis for this restructuring.
The FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing is officially defunct. All its personnel, ongoing investigations, assets, and liabilities are now transferred to the newly formed NCCIA. This agency will operate under the PECA, with full jurisdiction over cybercrime investigations in Pakistan.
The NCCIA will be led by a Director General and will have its own dedicated staff structure. This includes directors,deputy directors, and support personnel. To ensure a smooth transition, current FIA cybercrime personnel will continue their duties for one year while the NCCIA recruits its permanent staff.
The NCCIA will handle the registration of all cybercrime cases directly. Additionally, it will establish its own offices to serve as dedicated filing stations for complaints. This move aims to improve accessibility and efficiency in reporting cybercrime incidents.
The formation of the NCCIA signifies Pakistan’s commitment to tackling cybercrime with a dedicated and centralized agency. This is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations into cyber offenses, potentially leading to swifter resolutions and stronger deterrence.
However, questions remain regarding the transition process, the NCCIA’s operational structure, and its long-term impact on Pakistan’s overall cybersecurity posture. Cybersecurity news outlets will be closely monitoring the NCCIA’s development and its performance in handling electronic crimes.
