In a significant move to combat the rising incidents of cybercrime, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the establishment of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency during a statement in the National Assembly. This new agency is set to bolster the country’s capabilities in addressing cybercrimes, an area where the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has struggled due to its limited capacity.
New Agency to Address Rising Cybercrime
The decision to form this dedicated agency comes in response to the growing number of cybercrime cases that the FIA has found increasingly difficult to manage. Minister Tarar highlighted that the new agency will be fully operational soon, with ongoing support from existing entities to ensure a smooth transition. Importantly, he mentioned that integrating certain FIA employees into the new cybercrime agency is under consideration, ensuring that experienced personnel will continue to play a role in combating cyber threats.
Ongoing Cases to Be Transferred, Not Closed
Addressing concerns about the status of current investigations, the Information Minister assured that all ongoing cybercrime cases under the FIA will be transferred to the new agency once it becomes functional. These cases will not be closed but will continue under the jurisdiction of the new agency, ensuring that justice is served without interruption.
Cybercrime Statistics Over the Past Three Years
The announcement came during the Question Hour in the National Assembly, where Minister Tarar responded to an inquiry from Sharmila Faruqui regarding the details of cybercrime incidents over the past three years. The Interior Ministry provided a comprehensive summary of the reported cases during this period, highlighting the increasing workload faced by the FIA’s cyber wing.
In 2021, the cybercrime wing received 115,868 complaints, of which 80,803 cases were verified. The department conducted 15,766 inquiries, registered 1,223 FIRs, secured 38 convictions, and saw 88 suspects acquitted.
In 2022, the number of complaints rose to 136,024, with 83,552 cases verified. The department completed 14,380 inquiries, registered 1,469 FIRs, achieved 48 convictions, and had 177 suspects acquitted.
Last year, in 2023, the cybercrime wing received 134,710 complaints, verifying 82,396 cases. They conducted 18,012 inquiries, registered 1,375 FIRs, secured 92 convictions, and 102 suspects were acquitted.
Conclusion
Establishing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency marks a pivotal step in enhancing Pakistan’s ability to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. With the transfer of ongoing cases from the FIA and the potential integration of experienced FIA employees, the new agency is poised to take a leading role in ensuring cybersecurity and justice in the digital realm.
