More powers to NCCIA to combat Cyber crimes effectively

LAHORE: National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has been granted the authority to freeze bank accounts, movable and immovable assets involved in cybercrime cases.

The Federal Government has officially issued the Gazette Notification of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Functional Rules 2025.

The Functional Rules 2025 also provide for the establishment of several specialized units, including an Accountability Unit, Digital Forensic Unit, Media Unit, Research & Development Unit, and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) Unit.

The notification further states that these measures will make the prosecution process faster and easier, while also ensuring greater transparency in investigations and punishments through media reporting.

This expansion of powers marks a significant step towards strengthening the NCCIA’s role in combating cybercrime across the country. An NCCIA senior officer seeking anonymity said that though empowering NCCIA is a good omen for better prosecution but there are several other things yet to be done in department.

He was of the view that with the advancement of technology Cyber crime is increasing day by day across the globe and Pakistan as well. But we have not made sufficient measure to curb this menace. We are working with poor resources like manpower, weapon, vehicles, biulding, fiances and others. Number of complaints are in good numbers while we have less staff to tackle these complaints, upgradation of cyber laws is another vital issue, he concluded. NNI