The government has proposed the establishment of a National Forensics and Cybercrime Agency (NFCA) to combat cyber and digital crimes, as part of its ongoing efforts to reform the country’s digital laws, according to Dawn.com.
The proposal is outlined in the draft NFCA Act, 2024, which positions the NFCA as a central coordinating authority for conventional, digital, and cyber forensics across Pakistan. The agency would operate under the Interior Ministry in Islamabad, with the authority to establish offices nationwide.
The draft highlights that the NFCA would upgrade the existing National Forensic Science Authority from a project to a fully-fledged department. It defines its key responsibilities as providing forensic support to the Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan as a first-tier agency, while also serving as a second-tier reexamination body for all other forensic and law enforcement agencies in the country.
Expanding Cybercrime Laws
The NFCA draft arrives alongside proposed amendments to Pakistan’s cybercrime laws. Under these revisions, violations could carry penalties of up to seven years in prison, with fines increased to Rs2 million. The draft law also expands the definition of cybercrime to include offenses such as cyber fraud, hacking, cyber espionage, online harassment, cyber extortion, and even cyber warfare.
Additionally, the draft introduces definitions of emerging threats, including deepfakes. These are described as fabricated digital media—audio, video, or images—created using artificial intelligence to impersonate or malign individuals.
Key Functions of NFCA
The NFCA’s responsibilities would include:
- Conventional, Digital, and Cyber Forensics: Collecting and analyzing forensic material from crime scenes and providing expert opinions to courts and authorities.
- Legal System Reforms: Establishing a dedicated law department to address weaknesses in existing laws affecting forensic practices and proposing amendments or new legislation.
- Support to Law Enforcement: Acting as the supreme forensic agency and providing specialized support for digital and cybercrime investigations.
The establishment of the NFCA is seen as a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s response to digital crimes and strengthening the nation’s forensic and cybersecurity capabilities. It reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the growing sophistication of cyber threats and its commitment to creating a safer digital environment.
