National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has expanded its nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaign, conducting at least eight awareness sessions and walks across six cities and at NES School to educate women, young girls, students and other vulnerable internet users about online blackmail, harassment and financial fraud. According to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the initiative aims to help citizens protect their money, personal information and digital privacy while encouraging victims to report cybercrime without fear. Under the leadership of Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, NCCIA teams have been visiting schools, colleges, welfare organisations, industrial units and press clubs to inform the public about emerging online threats, legal rights and official complaint procedures. Awareness activities were conducted in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Peshawar, Gilgit and Abbottabad, bringing together students, teachers, parents, employees, journalists and members of the public. A key focus of the campaign has been educating women and young girls about threats involving private photographs, fake social media accounts and online blackmail. Participants were encouraged not to remain silent when faced with such situations and were informed that NCCIA could provide assistance and pursue legal action against individuals involved in harassment, threats and financial exploitation.
In Lahore, NCCIA organised a cybersecurity awareness session at Alkhidmat Foundation, where Deputy Director Waqas Saeed briefed participants on online financial fraud, common methods used to deceive internet users and precautions for protecting themselves. Deputy Director Mudassir Shah discussed cyber defamation and cyberbullying, explaining the legal remedies available to victims. Sub-Inspectors Nabeel Hussain and Mohsin Razzaq also attended the session. The programme aimed to extend cybersecurity awareness through Alkhidmat Foundation’s nationwide network and community welfare activities. In Faisalabad, an awareness session was organised at AI Textile Mills on Jaranwala Road, where employees received information about online fraud, digital security, safe social media practices and ways to protect personal information. In Sahiwal, NCCIA conducted sessions at SIMS Academy and Government Degree College of Commerce, educating students about responsible internet use, cybercrime prevention, online safety and identifying suspicious digital activities. The session at Government Degree College of Commerce took place on October 30. These activities highlighted the importance of extending cybersecurity education beyond technology institutions and reaching employees, students and communities through different public engagement platforms.
In Peshawar, NCCIA organised an awareness session at Future World School and College, DHA, under the directions of the Director General. Incharge CCRC Peshawar Faisal Tariq and his team briefed students and teachers about online harassment, blackmail, fake social media accounts, illegal loan applications and the importance of protecting personal information. Participants were also informed about the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, legal protections available against cybercrime and the procedure for submitting complaints to NCCIA. In Gilgit, the agency conducted an awareness session at The Learning Academy in Jutal, where students and teachers were educated about cyberbullying, financial fraud, online harassment, child protection, fake news and the misuse of social media. Participants were advised to avoid sharing private information with strangers and report suspicious online activities to the relevant authorities. The academy management also appreciated the initiative. In Abbottabad, NCCIA organised a cybercrime awareness walk covering Abbottabad Press Club and Hockey Stadium, with agency officers, journalists and members of the public participating. The walk focused on fake news, identity theft, online financial scams, cyberbullying and the risks of sharing unverified information on social media. Participants also received guidance on using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication and adjusting privacy settings to improve the security of their online accounts.
Meanwhile, parents and teachers at NES School welcomed NCCIA’s awareness initiative, particularly its focus on protecting children and young girls from online threats. Parent Nadia Syed appreciated the programme and highlighted the importance of educating children about the risks associated with internet use without appropriate safety measures. Mathematics teacher Asma Batool said the awareness session helped address concerns about online threats and provided useful information on protecting students, particularly girls, from harassment and the misuse of personal information. Senior teacher Anam Asad also welcomed the initiative, noting that such programmes could help students recognise online dangers and use social media more responsibly. Another teacher, Ms Yasra, appreciated the programme and highlighted its role in improving understanding and cooperation between parents and teachers regarding children’s online safety. Feedback from parents and teachers reflected the importance of conducting regular awareness activities to help young internet users recognise suspicious behaviour and seek assistance when necessary. Through its nationwide campaign, NCCIA has also encouraged citizens facing threats involving the circulation of private photographs or videos to approach official complaint channels rather than remain silent. The agency’s outreach across educational institutions, workplaces and community organisations highlights the importance of public awareness, digital privacy and accessible reporting mechanisms in addressing cybercrime across Pakistan.
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