Government to Launch National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency
In a recent statement to the National Assembly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the creation of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. This move comes in response to the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) growing challenges in managing increasing cybercrime incidents.
During the National Assembly’s Question Hour, Tarar assured that interim support would be provided until the new agency is fully established. He also mentioned that the integration of some FIA staff into the new agency would be considered.
The minister clarified that ongoing cybercrime cases handled by the FIA would not be closed but rather transferred to the new agency. This clarification came in response to a question from Sharmila Faruqui, who sought information about cybercrime statistics over the past three years.
The Interior Ministry provided a summary of cybercrime incidents reported to the FIA’s cyber wing during this period. In 2021 alone, the wing received 115,868 complaints, verified 80,803 cases, conducted 15,766 inquiries, registered 1,223 FIRs, secured 38 convictions, and saw 88 suspects acquitted.
