The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has announced plans to establish a dedicated special cell in Punjab to ensure the swift registration, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrime cases involving women and children. According to an official statement, the initiative is intended to provide faster legal assistance, protection, and institutional support to victims while ensuring complaints are investigated without unnecessary delays.
Muhammad Ali Wasim, Director of NCCIA Punjab, said the newly established unit will specifically deal with cases involving online harassment, cyberstalking, blackmail, digital exploitation, identity theft, misuse or circulation of private photographs and videos, along with other technology enabled offences targeting women and minors. He said the purpose of creating the specialized cell is to strengthen the agency’s response to the growing misuse of digital platforms for harassment, intimidation, and exploitation. The agency aims to process complaints through a dedicated mechanism that allows investigators to handle sensitive cases more efficiently while ensuring victims receive timely support throughout the legal process. The initiative is also expected to improve coordination among officials responsible for investigating cybercrime cases involving vulnerable groups and enhance institutional oversight during investigations.
Wasim stated that every case handled by the special cell will remain under the direct supervision of the relevant deputy director to ensure close monitoring, faster investigations, and effective coordination. According to the agency, this oversight mechanism will help accelerate case processing while maintaining compliance with legal procedures. He reiterated that NCCIA has adopted a zero tolerance policy against individuals involved in cyber offences and said those found responsible for committing such crimes will face strict legal action under the applicable laws. He also encouraged victims to report incidents without fear, assuring that every complaint submitted to NCCIA will be addressed promptly and in accordance with the law. The agency believes the dedicated unit will help create a safer online environment by improving access to legal remedies for women and children who experience cyber related abuse.
The announcement comes as advocacy organization Digital Rights Foundation highlighted a significant rise in cyber harassment cases across Pakistan in its recently released 2025 annual report. According to the report, cyber harassment involving minors increased by 28 percent during 2025, with reported cases rising to 159 compared to 124 in the previous year. The organization also reported an average of 250 cyber harassment cases each month, reflecting persistent concerns over online abuse and the growing impact of digital crimes on vulnerable groups. Punjab accounted for 69.5 percent of all reported cases, a figure Digital Rights Foundation attributed to the province’s larger population and comparatively better access to reporting mechanisms. Despite these reporting channels, the report noted that access to justice remains a challenge. It stated that while 79 percent of cyber harassment complaints were referred to NCCIA, only 51 percent originated from cities with operational cybercrime offices, forcing many victims to travel considerable distances to seek legal assistance and pursue their cases. The findings underscore the continued need for improved accessibility to cybercrime investigation services across the country, particularly for women and children seeking timely support and protection through formal legal channels.
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