Key points:
- New mandate includes identity theft and unauthorised SIM issuance.
- Child pornography and online grooming brought under NCCIA jurisdiction.
- Agency empowered against cyber enticement and child trafficking cases.
- NCCIA replaces FIA Cybercrime Wing with full assets transfer.
- Specialised units cover forensics, fraud, child protection, cooperation.
- Recent crackdowns expose IMEI fraud and Rs. 20b scam.
ISLAMABAD: In a major move to combat rising cyber threats, the federal government has expanded the powers of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), authorising it to investigate a broad spectrum of serious digital crimes.
The new mandate allows the NCCIA to handle cases including cyber terrorism, electronic fraud, identity theft, unauthorised SIM issuance, child pornography, online grooming, cyber enticement, child trafficking, and the spreading of fake information.
This expansion comes through key amendments to Schedule I of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010, according to a notification issued by the Finance Division, available with WE News English. The changes have been made under Section 42 of Act, and a new section—Section XV—has been added to include these offences. With this legal backing, the NCCIA is now the designated body for investigating and prosecuting authority for these cyber-related crimes.
Pakistan’s cybercrime watchdog
Proposed in December 2023, the NCCIA was formed on May 3, 2024, replacing the Federal Investigating Agency (FIA)’s Cybercrime Wing, and is now positioned as Pakistan’s frontline defence against a broad spectrum of online crimes, including those targeting vulnerable groups such as children. It took over all functions, assets, and personnel from the now-dissolved FIA Cybercrime Wing.
The NCCIA is Pakistan’s lead agency for investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016.
Operating under the Ministry of Interior, NCCIA is led by a Director-General with powers equal to an Inspector General of Police. The agency includes specialised units in digital forensics, financial fraud, child protection, and international cooperation.
Since its establishment, the agency has undertaken several significant operations to demonstrate its expanded mandate. In August 2025, the government issued the NCCIA Functions Rules 2025, formally defining its operational framework.
Soon after, the agency conducted major crackdowns on IMEI fraud in Gujranwala and uncovered an online scam worth Rs. 20 billion in Multan. In July 2025, it also dismantled an international cyber-fraud ring, underscoring its growing role in tackling sophisticated digital crimes.
