In a statement delivered at the National Assembly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the creation of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. This decision stems from the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) limited capacity to manage the increasing number of cybercrime incidents. During the Question Hour, Tarar assured that the FIA would continue to provide support until the new agency is fully operational. He also mentioned that the possibility of integrating some FIA employees into the new agency is under consideration.
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Tarar clarified that ongoing cybercrime cases currently being handled by the FIA would not be closed but rather transferred to the new agency. His remarks were in response to a question from Sharmila Faruqui, who sought details about cybercrime incidents over the past three years.
The Interior Ministry presented a summary of cybercrime incidents reported to the cyber wing during this period. In 2021, the cybercrime wing received 115,868 complaints, verified 80,803 cases, conducted 15,766 inquiries, registered 1,223 FIRs, secured 38 convictions, and had 88 suspects acquitted. In 2022, there were 136,024 complaints, with 83,552 cases verified. The department conducted 14,380 inquiries, registered 1,469 FIRs, achieved 48 convictions, and saw 177 suspects acquitted. Last year, the cybercrime wing received 134,710 complaints, verified 82,396 cases, conducted 18,012 inquiries, registered 1,375 FIRs, secured 92 convictions, and had 102 suspects acquitted.
