Mohsin Naqvi orders intensified action against cybercrime

The meeting decided to accelerate the crackdown on online financial fraud, harassment and organised cybercrime networks. The interior minister also inspected the complaints cell, forensic laboratory and investigation wing, reviewing the system from the registration of citizens’ complaints to investigations and action against suspects.

Naqvi directed officials to review pending cases and complaints on a case-by-case basis and eliminate unnecessary delays. He said citizens should not have to wait for months after filing complaints and that timely progress should be visible in every case.

The interior minister also ordered measures to enhance digital forensic capabilities, use modern forensic tools and provide specialised training to investigation officers. He directed authorities to take action without discrimination against organised groups involved in online financial fraud, fake accounts, digital blackmail and online harassment.

Naqvi said an effective immediate-response mechanism should be established for financial fraud complaints so that timely coordination with relevant institutions could help secure victims’ funds and improve the chances of tracing suspects. He said traditional investigation methods alone could not counter new forms of cybercrime and stressed the need for modern technology and trained manpower.

He added that the NCCIA should be transformed into a modern cyber police force capable of protecting citizens in the digital world. The minister directed officials to give special priority to complaints involving online harassment, blackmail and digital exploitation of women and children.

He said protecting citizens’ data, privacy and financial interests was a fundamental responsibility of the NCCIA.He also called for an effective public awareness campaign to help citizens identify new methods of online fraud and protect themselves from cybercrime. The NCCIA director general briefed the interior minister on the Central Zone’s performance, cases under investigation, cyber fraud trends and ongoing operations.

The DG FIA, Islamabad police chief, FIA Lahore Zone director and other relevant officials were also present. Recent NCCIA operations in Lahore have also targeted alleged cyber fraud and illegal call centres, with 11 suspects arrested on September 24 and digital devices seized for investigation.