The federal government has decided to launch a nationwide crackdown against illegal call centers operating across Pakistan following concerns over unauthorized activities linked to such facilities. According to reports, the decision was taken after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Operation Grey did not achieve the expected results in controlling the issue. A new task force has now been established to investigate suspected illegal call center operations and coordinate actions against activities involving fraudulent schemes, blackmail, gambling, and other unauthorized practices.
The newly formed task force will operate under FIA headquarters and will include officers from sensitive agencies, FIA Cyber Crime Wing, National Forensic Agency, federal police, and district administration. Relevant institutions have been directed to provide support and assistance to the task force during investigations and enforcement activities. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination between different departments involved in addressing cybercrime related cases and monitoring call center operations across the country. Officials stated that the Ministry of Interior will receive daily reports regarding actions taken against illegal call centers, allowing authorities to track progress and maintain oversight of ongoing operations.
As part of the planned measures, authorities have also prepared a list of call centers operating in Karachi for further investigation and possible action. The development follows a recent operation conducted by FIA and NCCIA against an illegal call center located in Islamabad’s Sector I-10/3, where 275 foreign nationals were detained during the operation. According to officials, the investigation revealed concerns regarding activities being carried out at the facility, including the alleged creation of inappropriate digital content. The individuals involved included foreign nationals from multiple countries, including China. Authorities reported that cases were registered under relevant legal frameworks, with NCCIA proceeding under the PECA Act and FIA registering cases under the Foreigners Act related to the detained individuals.
The formation of the task force reflects the government’s focus on improving oversight of call center operations and strengthening measures against digital activities that may harm individuals or organizations. As online communication platforms continue to expand, authorities have emphasized the need for proper monitoring, verification, and compliance among businesses operating in the sector. The involvement of multiple agencies is intended to support more coordinated investigations by combining cyber expertise, forensic capabilities, and administrative resources. Through these efforts, officials aim to identify unauthorized operations, investigate reported cases, and ensure that legitimate businesses are able to operate within established legal and regulatory frameworks while addressing concerns associated with misuse of technology platforms.
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