Naqvi Directs NCCIA to Intensify Action against Cybercrime Networks

LAHORE, September 27, 2026: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to intensify efforts against cybercrime, particularly online financial fraud, digital blackmail, harassment and organised criminal networks, while stressing the need for faster investigations, modern forensic capabilities and stronger institutional mechanisms to protect citizens in Pakistan’s increasingly digital environment.

Review at the Lahore headquarters

The minister issued the directives during his visit to the NCCIA Central Zone headquarters in Lahore, where he chaired a detailed meeting to review ongoing operations, investigations and the handling of complaints related to cybercrime. During the visit, Mohsin Naqvi inspected the complaints cell, forensic laboratory and investigation wing and reviewed the process through which complaints are registered, investigated and subsequently acted upon by the relevant authorities.

During the meeting, the minister directed officials to accelerate action against organised networks involved in online financial fraud, fake accounts, digital blackmail and online harassment, emphasising that complaints should be processed without unnecessary delays and that citizens should be able to see timely progress after approaching the cybercrime authorities. He instructed officials to examine pending complaints and cases individually and establish mechanisms to identify and address delays in the investigative process.

Digital forensics and faster investigations

Mohsin Naqvi also called for the immediate strengthening of the NCCIA’s digital forensic capabilities, directing authorities to introduce modern forensic tools and provide specialised training to investigation officers so that investigators can effectively respond to increasingly sophisticated forms of cybercrime. He stressed that conventional investigation methods alone were insufficient to address crimes involving rapidly evolving digital technologies, encrypted communications and complex online financial networks.

The interior minister particularly emphasised the need for an immediate-response mechanism for complaints involving online financial fraud, noting that timely coordination between the NCCIA, financial institutions and other relevant agencies could improve the prospects of securing victims’ funds and identifying those responsible for fraudulent activities. He directed officials to strengthen coordination and ensure that financial fraud complaints receive prompt attention.

Protection for vulnerable users

Naqvi further instructed the agency to take action against organised cybercrime groups without discrimination, with particular emphasis on cases involving online harassment, blackmail and digital exploitation of women and children. He said protecting citizens’ personal data, privacy and financial interests was a fundamental responsibility of the cybercrime investigation authorities and called for stronger institutional safeguards against digital exploitation.

The minister also directed the NCCIA to launch and strengthen public awareness initiatives aimed at helping citizens recognise common online fraud techniques and adopt safer digital practices. He stressed that effective prevention required not only enforcement action against cybercriminals but also greater public awareness regarding fraudulent calls, fake accounts, deceptive online schemes and other emerging methods used to target citizens.

Building a modern cyber police

Mohsin Naqvi said the NCCIA should be developed into a modern and professionally equipped cyber police institution capable of responding effectively to the changing nature of digital crime. He emphasised the importance of advanced technology, specialised expertise and efficient investigative procedures in strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to counter cybercrime and protect citizens in the digital sphere.

The NCCIA Director General briefed the minister on the Central Zone’s overall performance, cases currently under investigation, emerging cyber fraud trends and ongoing operations against suspected cybercriminal networks. Officials also briefed him on measures being undertaken to improve complaint processing, investigation procedures and the use of digital forensic evidence.

Recent Lahore operation

The meeting was attended by the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency, Islamabad Police Chief, FIA Lahore Zone Director and other senior officials concerned.

The visit came shortly after a recent NCCIA operation in Lahore in which 11 suspects allegedly involved in cyber fraud and illegal call centres were arrested, while digital devices were seized for further investigation. The latest directives are expected to reinforce ongoing efforts to improve cybercrime enforcement, strengthen investigative capacity and enhance protection for citizens facing financial and digital threats.