Punjab National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has established a dedicated special cell to accelerate the investigation and resolution of cybercrime cases involving women, girls and children across the province. The initiative is intended to strengthen protections for vulnerable groups that are increasingly being targeted through online harassment, digital blackmail, identity misuse and other forms of cyber enabled crime. The announcement was made by Punjab NCCIA Director Operations Muhammad Ali Wasim, who said the newly formed unit will operate with a zero tolerance policy against offenders involved in cybercrimes affecting women and children. The agency stated that the initiative reflects its continued efforts to improve digital safety and ensure that victims receive timely support and legal protection while their complaints are investigated.
According to Director Operations Muhammad Ali Wasim, the special cell will focus on investigating cases involving fake social media accounts, unauthorized sharing of private photographs or videos, digital blackmail and other online offenses targeting women, girls and children. Individuals found responsible for such activities will face strict legal action under the applicable laws. To improve the speed and effectiveness of investigations, the special unit will function under the supervision of a deputy director who will oversee immediate case management and monitor progress throughout the investigative process. The agency has also assigned six dedicated officers exclusively to the new cell to ensure complaints are handled without unnecessary delays. Alongside criminal investigations, the unit will provide legal assistance, victim support and appropriate safeguards to help individuals navigate the reporting and investigation process while protecting their rights and privacy.
Data released by NCCIA highlights the growing importance of specialized support for victims of cybercrime. According to the agency, women account for approximately 21.6 percent of the 171,600 cybercrime complaints registered with NCCIA. These figures indicate that a significant proportion of reported digital offenses involve female victims, reinforcing the need for dedicated investigative resources and victim centered services. Lahore continues to record the highest number of cybercrime reports within Punjab, representing approximately 18 percent of all reported cases across the province. Financial fraud remains the most commonly reported cyber offense, although authorities continue to receive complaints involving online harassment, identity misuse, unauthorized access to personal information and digital extortion. The establishment of the new unit is intended to improve response times while ensuring that cases involving vulnerable individuals receive focused attention from trained investigators.
Punjab NCCIA has encouraged victims of cybercrime to report incidents without hesitation, emphasizing that every complaint will be addressed promptly under the agency’s established procedures. Director Operations Muhammad Ali Wasim stated that strengthening digital safety requires both effective law enforcement and public confidence in reporting cyber offenses as early as possible. The agency believes that dedicated investigative teams, coordinated case management and specialized victim support can improve the handling of sensitive cases while reducing the impact of online abuse on affected individuals. Through the creation of the special cell, Punjab NCCIA aims to enhance protection for women, girls and children by ensuring that cybercrime complaints receive timely investigation, appropriate legal action and comprehensive support throughout the judicial process, contributing to a safer digital environment across the province.
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