National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has introduced a new AI enabled investigative system designed to strengthen the country’s response to online child sexual exploitation and abuse. The tool, named Katalyst, aims to improve the detection, prioritisation, and investigation of digital abuse cases involving children. The launch reflects growing efforts by authorities to incorporate advanced technology into law enforcement workflows as online platforms continue to be misused for criminal activity targeting vulnerable groups.
Katalyst was developed through a partnership between Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control and the UK Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement Programme, commonly known as UPSCALE, with funding support from British High Commission. The system was formally launched at an event in Islamabad attended by Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Director General Syed Khurram Ali. The collaboration highlights sustained engagement between Pakistan and the United Kingdom in addressing complex digital crimes that transcend national borders and require coordinated institutional responses.
Speaking at the launch, Talal Chaudhry described the protection of children from online exploitation as a national responsibility, emphasizing that emerging technologies must be used to strengthen investigative capacity. He stated that the introduction of artificial intelligence into investigative processes demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to modernising law enforcement structures and ensuring accountability for those involved in online abuse. He also reiterated the government’s pledge to enhance NCCIA capacity, noting that policy frameworks and institutional reforms must evolve alongside rapid technological change to remain effective in addressing digital threats.
The Chairperson of National Commission on the Rights of the Child Ayesha Raza Farooq stressed the need for a whole of government approach to tackle online child sexual exploitation and abuse. She pointed to NCRC’s ongoing engagement with social media platforms, public awareness initiatives, and its efforts to support the development of a comprehensive national policy on child online protection. According to her, addressing online harm requires coordinated action across government institutions, technology companies, civil society, and international partners to ensure preventive and protective measures are aligned.
NCCIA Director General Syed Khurram Ali stated that safeguarding children from online harm is a core priority for the agency. He explained that the introduction of AI driven capabilities would significantly enhance NCCIA’s ability to process and assess referrals received from the US based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. With the deployment of Katalyst, the agency’s review capacity is expected to increase from approximately 1,200 referrals per month to more than 100,000, allowing investigators to prioritise high risk cases more efficiently and respond in a timely manner.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott highlighted that online child abuse is a global challenge that cuts across jurisdictions and legal systems. She described child protection as a core priority for the United Kingdom both domestically and internationally. Commissioner Marriott noted that Katalyst demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be applied responsibly for public good, particularly in protecting children in digital spaces. She added that the UK would continue working closely with Pakistan to disrupt criminal networks involved in online abuse and to support initiatives aimed at making the digital environment safer for children.
The launch of Katalyst underscores the increasing role of international cooperation and advanced analytics in addressing cyber enabled crimes. As online platforms expand and criminal tactics evolve, law enforcement agencies are under pressure to adopt tools that can manage large volumes of digital data while maintaining investigative accuracy. Through this initiative, Pakistan’s authorities aim to strengthen institutional capacity and reinforce their commitment to protecting children from online exploitation through technology driven solutions and cross border collaboration.
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