During the visit, Secretary Sarwar received a detailed briefing from NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi on the agency’s performance, new strategies to combat the growing issue of cybercrime, and progress on the construction of a new modern headquarters.

The Interior Secretary praised the NCCIA’s recent operations against illegal call centres and online fraud networks and assured the agency of the ministry’s full support to enhance its operational capacity and workforce. Sarwar emphasised that cybercrime poses a significant challenge in the current era, highlighting the NCCIA’s role in protecting the public from cyber threats and ensuring that justice is delivered promptly and transparently.

Separately, Rizvi chaired a virtual meeting with SHOs from NCCIA circles to discuss preventive measures, investigation procedures, the timely handling of complaints, and the resolution of pending cases. He directed officers to ensure professional and transparent investigations, use modern technology, and hold regular open courts.

During a visit to the NCCIA Central Zone Headquarters in Lahore, Naqvi inspected the complaints cell, forensic laboratory and investigation wing and reviewed the process from complaint registration to action against suspects. He chaired a high-level meeting where he ordered a crackdown on organised groups involved in online fraud, fake accounts and digital extortion.

Naqvi directed officials to strengthen the immediate response mechanism for financial fraud complaints to facilitate coordination with relevant institutions, help secure victims’ funds and improve suspect tracing. He also called for a review of pending cases, the use of advanced digital forensic tools and specialised training for investigation officers.

He further directed the NCCIA to prioritise complaints involving online harassment, blackmail and the digital exploitation of women and children, while strengthening public awareness about emerging online fraud techniques. The NCCIA director general briefed the minister on the Central Zone’s performance, ongoing investigations and trends in cyber fraud.

The committee, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, discussed the proposal during its meeting. The agenda also included the proposed Telecommunication Competition Rules, with Ministry of IT and Telecommunication officials seeking more time to finalise them as consultations with telecom operators and other stakeholders continue. The officials said the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) would also be involved in reviewing the rules.

An Additional Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) briefed the committee on measures taken against accounts containing blasphemous material and said investigations against those involved were underway. The committee directed officials to expedite the investigations.

The committee was briefed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on an alleged Rs172 billion fraud involving call centres, with the case referred to the NCCIA for investigation. NCCIA officials also called for improvements in the visa issuance system and stronger mechanisms at the State Bank of Pakistan and SECP. The committee decided to form a subcommittee to investigate complaints of alleged overcharging by a major telecom company.

According to an NCCIA spokesperson, the suspects, comprising Pakistani and Chinese nationals, were allegedly involved in Google-related fraud and low-dating scams. Authorities seized 306 mobile phones, 383 computers/CPUs, and 299 monitors and laptops during the raids.

The premises were temporarily designated as sub-jails to facilitate legal proceedings, while a case was registered under relevant cybercrime provisions. The alleged fraudulent activities reportedly had links to networks in India and Brazil, with further investigations underway into these international connections.

The operation follows recent NCCIA actions against cybercrime, including an August raid in Islamabad in which 114 foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly operating a cyber-romance and sextortion ring. In December, an operation in Karachi also led to the arrest of 34 individuals allegedly involved in fake investment schemes.

An NCCIA official told APP on September 23 that Rizvi chaired a virtual meeting with SHOs of all NCCIA circles to review strategies for cybercrime prevention and improving investigations. The meeting focused on improving investigative measures and ensuring swift relief to citizens, with Rizvi stressing timely justice, transparency and adherence to merit in handling public complaints and cybercrime cases.

Rizvi directed officers to conduct investigations with professionalism and due diligence, provide adequate assistance to complainants, and strengthen the NCCIA’s public-friendly image through better service delivery and professional complaint management.

Memon directed the department to use modern technology for daily monitoring and timely verification of misinformation. He also called for stronger coordination with the NCCIA and relevant institutions to take legal action against those creating or circulating false information that harms individuals or institutions.

The directives were issued during a meeting attended by Information Secretary Kashif Gulzar Sheikh and Director General Information Moez Pirzada. Memon also directed officials to develop a coordinated monitoring system and ensure the public receives accurate and timely information.

Directors of various wings of the department Muhammad Yousuf Kabooru, Aziz Hakro, Hizbullah Memon, Tariq Imam, Fida Biladi, Majid Khan, Amzan Zannoon, Muhammad Kamran, Sarwar Samejo, Imtiaz Joyyo and Deputy Secretary Sahib Khan Bhund, also attended the meeting.

Six suspects — Muhammad Aslam, Huzaifa, Abdul Rauf, Jan Muhammad, Asghar and Umar Usman—were arrested in an alleged Rs1 million scam involving posing as bank representatives and operating illegal call centres.

In a separate raid at Al-Qadir Plaza, Gulberg III, three suspects—Ahsan Rizwan, Muhammad Ahmed and Irfan Khalid Hussain—were arrested, with eight laptops and three mobile phones recovered. Another raid in Barkat Market, Garden Town, led to the arrest of two suspects, Adeel Shehzad and Ali Adnan, and the recovery of five laptops, six computers and one mobile phone.

The NCCIA said the suspects allegedly used VoIP calls to pose as bank or service company representatives and target citizens in Pakistan and abroad. The seized devices were sent for forensic examination, with investigations continuing.

On September 20, during a strategic meeting with the NCCIA media team, Rizvi stressed the need to disseminate timely and authentic information about cyber threats and preventive measures. He also called for more effective use of social media to inform the public and highlight the agency’s activities and performance.

The meeting discussed ways to strengthen the NCCIA’s communication strategy.

During the hearing, Bokhari’s counsel, Advocate Ali Zahid Bokhari, said that his client had sought permission from the Lahore High Court to record her cross-examination online, citing security concerns. He also accused the opposing counsel of pressuring the court during the previous hearing by seeking an arrest warrant against Bokhari and said that fell under contempt of court and action should be taken.

Counsel for PTI activist Falak Javed, Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, opposed the request, arguing that Bokhari had also failed to appear at the previous cross-examination hearing. He maintained that failure to appear after a court summons could warrant an arrest order and alleged that the contempt application was intended to delay proceedings.

Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo allowed the one-time exemption and directed Bokhari’s counsel to consult her regarding a possible resolution of the contempt issue.

The case will be heard again on September 30.

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Sarwar Arif, a Lahore resident, was arrested following an investigation into his online activities. During the operation, conducted on the directives of NCCIA Punjab Director Hassam bin Iqbal, three mobile phones were seized from his possession and sent for forensic analysis.

The NCCIA stated that the examination would focus on digital material and social media activity relevant to the investigation to determine the extent of the alleged misinformation and whether Arif had links to others involved in similar activities. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings.

Rizwan’s petition states that the NCCIA notice refers to an investigation into online betting and gambling but does not specify any allegations against him. He said that during his appearance before the agency, he sought details of the allegations but was not provided with specific information. He has asked the court to restrain the NCCIA from taking further action until his petition is decided.

Earlier this month, Rizwan and Test opener Imam-ul-Haq were questioned by the NCCIA at its Johar Town office in Lahore for around four hours. They reportedly sought additional time to submit written responses, while they said their mobile phones were in the agency’s possession for forensic examination.The PCB had taken the phones into custody before handing them over to the authorities.

The committee meeting, chaired by MNA Rana Iradat Sharif Khan at the Parliament House, learnt that among the complaints, 80 were related to cyber financial fraud, 29 to cyber harassment, 17 to cyberbullying, six involved visa fraud, five were cases of identity theft, and three were general complaints.

The NCCIA has implemented a multi-dimensional strategy to combat cybercrime, which involves investigation, digital forensics, coordination with relevant institutions, and public awareness campaigns. A dedicated, web-based Complaints Management Unit has also been established to streamline the processing of these complaints.

Complaints can be submitted by email, through an online portal, in person at one of the 15 cybercrime reporting centres nationwide, at the NCCIA headquarters or by post.

Meanwhile, newly appointed NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi announced a policy to combat alleged anti-state propaganda, social media abuse and other illegal online activities, including gambling and illegal call centres. A nationwide crackdown and enhanced cyber patrolling are planned to monitor and address such activities.

The Ministry of Interior plans to consult officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and federal and provincial police departments on measures including a minimum age for social media access and restrictions on platforms linked to harmful content. A stakeholder meeting will also review recent cases of child exploitation involving social media before policy decisions are made.

The move follows similar measures and proposals internationally. Australia restricted social media access for users under 16, while the European Commission proposed restrictions for children under 13.

In Pakistan, the Punjab Assembly recently passed a resolution advocating for a ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16, a move initiated by treasury lawmaker Sarah Ahmad. The resolution calls on the federal government to implement an effective legal framework that includes parental consent and reliable age verification mechanisms.

In Lodhran, the NCCIA arrested Shahryar for allegedly defrauding a citizen of Rs 653,200 by posing as a customs officer and falsely promising a prize and donation. A search of his mobile phone reportedly revealed a fraudulent WhatsApp account, scam-related chats and videos showing methods of concealing one’s identity.

In Faisalabad, Sunil Amin and Usman Ali were arrested for alleged financial fraud involving bank accounts. Authorities seized 17 mobile phones, 81 ATM cards and 195 SIM cards during the operation. The suspects allegedly impersonated individuals and representatives of public and private organisations to defraud people.

The petition raises concerns over children’s exposure to cyberbullying, addictive platform design, sexual content and the depiction of alcohol, arguing that such content could adversely affect their mental and moral development. It states that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, does not currently contain specific restrictions for users under 16.

Citing measures adopted in countries including Australia, Italy and Brazil, the petitioners argued that similar safeguards should be introduced in Pakistan.

They also accused the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) of failing to adequately enforce its code of conduct, particularly regarding intimate scenes and alcohol-related content during child-viewing hours.

The petition names the federal government through the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Information Technology, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), PEMRA and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as respondents. It seeks amendments to PECA 2016, stricter enforcement of PEMRA’s content standards during child-viewing hours and cooperation with social media platforms to introduce effective parental controls.

The petitioners also invoked constitutional protections and Pakistan’s commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The hearing was adjourned due to the absence of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) prosecutor.

Justice Muhammad Azam Khan presided over the hearing, while Mazari-Hazir and Chattha were represented by lawyers including Faisal Siddiqui, Riasat Ali Azad and Zainab Janjua.

In January, the couple was arrested and sentenced to 17 years in prison in connection with social media posts, including 10 years for cyber terrorism, five years for glorification of an offence and two years for spreading false and fake information under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). They challenged their convictions before the IHC in February, and their sentence suspension pleas were admitted in July.

On May 12, the Supreme Court ordered the IHC to decide the sentence suspension pleas within two weeks. Mazari-Hazir has also approached the Supreme Court seeking an expedited hearing of a separate appeal concerning her sentence.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced that it had initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry after media reports regarding discipline and conduct, which it said were being reviewed internally.

According to Dawn, the players appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore after being summoned via notices and were questioned for around four hours. They reportedly sought additional time to submit written responses, while they said their mobile phones were in the agency’s possession for forensic examination.The PCB had taken the phones into custody before handing them over to the authorities.

According to the NCCIA, the call centre was allegedly used to impersonate foreign bank officials and obtain victims’ sensitive personal and financial information, including debit and credit card details, which were then used for fraudulent transactions.

A case was registered under Sections 3, 4, 13, 14, 16 and 26 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, along with Sections 109 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code against Bilal Mateen; Taha Manzoor, Mawaz Bin Sami, Cyrus Zakariya, Tayab Mushtaq and Talha Khan. The agency said they were allegedly operating the call centre.

Several laptops, mobile phones and other electronic devices were seized and sent for examination

The jirga, comprising local elders, clerics and former local government officials from the district’s four tehsils, met in Dasu on September 9. Lawyer Raja Arif Sazeen said the jirga resolved to censure and impose fines on influencers found responsible for inciting discord through their content.

The jirga also said that there would be unity among the people of Upper Kohistan over the issue of increasing federating units in Hazara and elsewhere in the country. They decided that Jalkot residents would not participate in an upcoming jirga in Pattan, Lower Kohistan, on the future inclusion of Kohistan districts in Hazara province.

The First Information Report (FIR), registered on September 6 on behalf of the state by NCCIA Technical Assistant Muhammad Umair Warsi, cited violations of Sections 20 and 26-A of PECA, concerning offences against a person’s dignity and the dissemination of false information.

According to the FIR, on September 5, Ghauri posted content allegedly questioning the process and circumstances of the appointment of National Counter Terrorism Authority’s (Nacta) head.

As per the FIR, Ghauri had “intentionally created, uploaded, transmitted and disseminated the false narratives through social media platforms.”

During proceedings on September 7, before Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman, where Ghauri was produced, the NCCIA sought a 10-day remand to investigate the case and recover related accounts on platforms including YouTube and X.

Defence counsel Advocate Imran Shafiq opposed the request, arguing that Ghauri was arrested without prior notice and that “not a single statement” in the vlog uploaded by Ghauri could be termed as false or fabricated. According to Dawn, Ghauri said his remarks were not about an individual but regarding NACTA and its performance.

Iqbal has been summoned on September 14 and Chadhar on September 11.

Iqbal had earlier accused Chadhar via social media of cyberbullying, online harassment and threats, leading to a case registered against Chadhar by the NCCIA under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code.

The NCCIA formed a special investigation team led by a deputy director to examine the new and existing record. The team has one month to complete the investigation and submit its findings to the NCCIA director general.

The agency said conclusions regarding guilt or innocence before the inquiry is completed would be premature.

The investigating officer also told the court that there was currently no need to arrest Chadhar or his wife, Sumaira.

Bokhari said she discovered posts about the video leak in July 2024 and alleged that a post by PTI activist Falak Javed on X helped spread it, causing her significant emotional distress and trauma, prompting her to seek judicial intervention.

Bukhari requested the court to conclude the case swiftly noting that proceedings had been delayed for a year.

The defence counsel Mian Ali Ashfaq said that he would need at least four hours for cross examination.

The hearing saw heated exchanges between Bokhari and the suspect, Falak Javed, as well as their lawyers before the magistrate restored order.

Her request to testify via video link over security concerns had previously been rejected, requiring her to appear in person.

The court adjourned the case until September 12 for cross-examination of Bokhari’s testimony.

The court also heard a matter involving a YouTuber who falsely claimed that arrest warrants had been issued for Bokhari. The YouTuber apologised, while the court barred YouTubers from future hearings and urged both sides to avoid political statements and personal attacks.

The resolution noted that countries including Australia, France and China have adopted similar measures and called for stronger legal and institutional safeguards for minors.

A resolution was submitted to the Punjab Assembly proposing a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16 without parental consent. The legislative measure, introduced by Punjab lawmaker Sarah Ahmad, seeks to address concerns like cyberbullying, online sexual abuse, and digital addiction among minors.

The resolution called for the provincial government to recommend to the federal government to bring comprehensive legislation to regulate children’s access to social media. It aimed to ensure the protection of children’s physical, mental, psychological, and moral development, which the resolution states is a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.

According to the proposal, the federal government should bring legislation that prohibits minors under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts without consent from parents or legal guardians verified through a dependable age-verification mechanism. Moreover, the resolution urges the PTA to develop and enforce robust age-verification systems across all social media platforms in Pakistan.

The resolution also emphasised the need for social media companies to adhere to child protection standards by promptly removing harmful content and creating a safer digital environment for minors. It suggested that relevant federal and provincial departments should initiate ongoing awareness campaigns to educate parents, teachers, and children about digital literacy, online safety, and responsible internet use.

The fake notice falsely claimed that answering a call from a specific landline number could hack mobile phone data and online accounts within five to seven seconds.

The PTA urged the public not to share unverified warnings and advised citizens to rely only on its official social media accounts and verified channels for cybersecurity alerts and updates.

The authority also highlighted its official channel for reporting fraudulent calls and SMS messages and urged citizens to verify such claims before forwarding them

The petition, filed by Waqas Nasir through advocates Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Fareed Khawaja, seeks mandatory age-verification systems and a legal framework to protect children from cyberbullying, online harassment and harmful content.

It also calls for safeguards for children’s digital privacy and wellbeing.

The petitioner cited international measures, including Australia’s restrictions on children’s social media use, France’s parental consent requirement and the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 and seeks a dedicated mechanism for child social media protection and regulation.

The agency seized his mobile phone and SIM card, which allegedly contained fabricated and objectionable images of several women.

According to the NCCIA, Salman obtained their personal data and photographs while working abroad and allegedly used the material after returning to Pakistan to create fake images and demand money.

According to a First Information Report (FIR) registered at Landi Kotal Police Station following a complaint by Shah Fahad, Zahid allegedly created and shared inappropriate pictures and videos of individuals through social media and demanded money from victims, threatening to release the content if they refused to pay.

Police said Zahid was allegedly the main operator of a network of fake profiles and that his arrest could help identify other people involved.

The court also directed Jatoi to issue an unconditional public apology on Facebook and keep the post online for at least 30 days.

On July 24, 2024., Jatoi had accused Dr Mastoi of possessing a fake MBBS degree and embezzling hospital funds through Facebook posts and a live broadcast.

Dr Mastoi had filed a defamation suit seeking Rs 20 million in damages. Jatoi claimed the posts were part of journalistic activity, but the court found that he failed to establish his journalistic credentials or provide credible evidence supporting the allegations.

The court ruled the claims were baseless and defamatory and barred Jatoi from making further defamatory or unverified statements against Dr Mastoi.

Under the rules, officials are prohibited from sharing photographs or details of official meetings, promoting government work through personal accounts, or using official social media platforms for personal branding.

They are also barred from operating anonymous or fake accounts to criticise the government or state institutions.

Civil servants may not publish opinions or information on digital or broadcast platforms, including social media, television, and radio, that contradict the government’s position.

Officials may also be required to disclose their personal and official social media accounts to authorities.

The rules require written approval before creating official social media accounts, which must only be used to share verified government information and official activities. Officials leaving their posts must also hand over account credentials, archived data and administrative access to their successors.

The suit seeks the removal of allegedly defamatory social media content, along with compensatory damages and other legal relief.

The legal documents state that the content harmed Bokhari’s reputation, integrity and professional standing.

The suspects, identified as Muhammad Arif, Muhammad Younis Sajid and Muhammad Nadeem, allegedly contacted victims and falsely claimed suspicious activity had been detected in their bank accounts, demanding payments to resolve the issue.

The investigation began after a woman was allegedly defrauded of Rs 15 million. The NCCIA seized three mobile phones from the suspects and recovered evidence of more than 12 fake JazzCash accounts allegedly used for the transactions.

The agency is examining the account details and transaction records.

During a meeting with Google delegation led by Senior Director David Weller and other officials including Pakistan representative Dr Kyle Gardner focused on addressing security challenges, the effective use of social media to counter terrorism and the timely removal of harmful online content.

Google representatives assured the minister of continued support for a secure digital environment, while Chaudhry expressed a desire to strengthen the existing partnership to promote a safer online space.

The event was attended by key officials from the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, and the Ministry of Interior.

A seven-member team led by DIG Amir Farooqui is investigating the case. According to Dawn, sources stated that they are trying to recover Raza’s digital activity, including his WhatsApp records.

The team also recorded the statement of the online cab driver who last transported Raza to Gulistan-i-Jauhar.

During the hearing, representatives from the federal government and the NCCIA argued that the inquiry was still at a preliminary stage and that the agency’s territorial jurisdiction had not been established. The NCCIA sought more time to determine whether its Multan office had legal authority to proceed.

Shafqat’s counsel, Advocate Mian Dawood, challenged the Multan office’s jurisdiction, pointing out that Shafqat, a permanent resident of Lahore, had cooperated with the inquiry as a law-abiding citizen despite the jurisdictional concerns.

Justice Khalid Ishaq observed the agency’s uncertainty over jurisdiction and ordered the inquiry to remain suspended till the next hearing and said that the agency could obtain a legal opinion..

Shafqat had said that the NCCIA had no jurisdiction to conduct an inquiry against him for criticising, commenting on or analysing the government. He petitioned the court to declare the inquiry unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights.

Previously, the court restrained the NCCIA from taking any coercive actions against Shafqat and directed him to respond to its notice.

The court scheduled September 28 for further arguments.

Ibrahim, 26-27, was accused of running an ‘anti-state’ social media campaign encouraging attacks on oil tankers during protests against the construction of new canals. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested him on February 27, 2025, under Section 26-A of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act read with Sections 506 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Evidence from his mobile phone, including posts from a Facebook account named “Imran Sindhi,” was presented during the trial.

The court found the prosecution’s evidence sufficient to establish his guilt. Judicial Magistrate Gulraiz Memon placed Ibrahim on one-year probation under a Rs100,000 surety bond, requiring good behaviour, regular reporting to a probation officer and avoidance of illegal online activity.

The case, registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Lahore, concerns an alleged fake video of Bokhari reportedly uploaded by PTI social media activists Falak Javed and Muhammad Shafiq, who are currently in police custody.

Additional District & Sessions Judge Nusrat Ali Siddiqui Malik clarified that video testimony is an exception and not a right, citing the importance of in-person cross-examination for a fair trial.

The judge noted that Bokhari had failed to provide substantial evidence, such as a police report or security assessment, to justify her inability to attend court due to safety concerns.

The court directed Bokhari to appear at the next hearing but allowed her to seek additional security arrangements if required.

The apologies followed backlash over the dissemination of defamatory content which was later retracted.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Karachi summoned four individuals — Syed Abdullah, Amin Qureshi, Bilal Warsi, and Obaid Qureshi — allegedly involved in spreading the fabricated and defamatory content.  They were directed to appear at the NCCIA Karachi office on August 13.

The Facebook page Karachi Stories acknowledged that its post about the case was based on unverified information obtained from social media sources, apologised to Memon and other affected parties, and pledged to verify information before publishing future posts.

Similarly, the Karachi Wines Facebook page issued an apology to both Sharjeel Memon and his son Rawal, acknowledging that the information in their previous post was incorrect.

Other pages like Muhajir Community and Fikra O Amal also expressed regret over their posts.

On July 21, the apex court had adjourned hearing the case as it said that the IHC had already fixed the sentence suspension application for July 24. The Supreme Court also noted that if an urgency arose, they could move an application for an early hearing.

After this, the IHC had said that the petitions filed by Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chatta were in admissible.

The latest request, filed by senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi, cites repeated delays despite the Supreme Court’s May 12, directive to the IHC to decide her sentence suspension application as quickly as possible and preferably within two weeks. Subsequent hearings were repeatedly adjourned due to prosecution requests and procedural issues, and no date was set after the IHC dismissed objections to the maintainability of her plea.

Another urgent application was filed on July 27, Mazari and her husband but this was not fixed for hearing before the IHC.

The operation, led by NCCIA Punjab Director M Ali Wasim, resulted in the seizure of 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are undergoing forensic examination.

In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested for allegedly using fake identities including relatives, visa agents, government officials and Punjab Safe Cities Authority personnel to defraud victims. In one case, imposters allegedly posing as a relative and a visa agent defrauded a victim of Rs 25.86 million.

In Faisalabad, three suspects were arrested for allegedly conducting online trading fraud, causing a reported loss of Rs 54.6 million.

While in Multan, seven suspects were arrested who allegedly impersonated bank employees and individuals residing in Britain. They are accused of soliciting money under false pretenses, such as prize money, customs clearance, taxes, and visa renewals

An event titled “Measuring the Social and Economic Impact of Digital Media: Evidence for Policy,”  at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Barkat highlighted the fragmented regulatory landscape, where responsibilities are divided among various bodies including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of IT and Telecom, and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Speaking at the event, Barkat expressed concern over the absence of a dedicated agency to monitor and address complaints related to social media, adding that the general public is mostly unaware of how to pursue complaints against digital media violations.

He noted that Pakistanis spent over $689 million on digital media in 2024, including approximately $27 million on music and $158 million on video games. The spending continued to rise in 2025, with $392 million expended on video-on-demand services, a significant portion of which involved adult content.

The PEMRA Director General also highlighted the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, particularly among the youth. The excessive use of digital media led to economic and social consequences, including mental health issues stemming from lack of sleep and the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the political realm.

Barkat emphasised the urgency of implementing Pakistan’s AI policy to mitigate potential risks and promote the safe and progressive use of technology.

Retired Brigadier Raashid Janjua reflected on the transformative effect of social media on youth learning patterns, noting that in the modern age, information is becoming more significant than traditional knowledge.

The NCCIA’s spokesperson detailed that the operations led to the capture of Haroon Qureshi in Lahore, Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz in Faisalabad, and Farhad Abbas in Multan. The suspects are currently under investigation, with legal proceedings initiated based on the digital evidence gathered, including mobile phones and other electronic devices now undergoing forensic analysis.

Haroon Qureshi is accused of targeting multiple women through social media, engaging in harassment and intimidation. Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz allegedly exploited a couple, using objectionable digital content to blackmail them for money. Meanwhile, Farhad Abbas’s arrest in Multan followed allegations that he shared private photographs and videos of a woman on social media to blackmail her.

The committee was informed that only 9 out of approximately 372 eligible cases had been transferred to the NCCIA. All these cases were transferred by Sindh Police; the majority are still handled by provincial police forces. This contrasts with the amendments in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which grant the NCCIA exclusive investigative authority.

The committee also noted that under-trial Peca cases pending before courts had not been executed, prompting the committee to direct provincial inspectors general of police and advocate generals to expedite the process and clarify delays.

The committee also discussed NCCIA notices issued to a newspaper columnist over an article deemed offensive by a bureaucrat. After the agency clarified that it had only sought the columnist’s version and had not initiated criminal proceedings, the committee directed the NCCIA to refer the matter to the Press Council of Pakistan, stressing that PECA should not be used against regulated media content.

The meeting also touched on the controversial approval of the film ‘Buleha’ by the Central Board of Film Censors, which was criticised for allegedly misrepresenting Sufi poet Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah. The committee recommended renaming the film and removing certain dialogues, stressing the importance of respecting historical figures and cultural sentiments.

The committee addressed the allocation of government advertisements, urging the Press Information Department to ensure a 25% quota for regional newspapers is implemented effectively, especially in Sindh and Balochistan.

The committee also discussed the allotment of housing for journalists and media workers, directing the formation of a subcommittee to oversee the implementation of the housing quota recommendation and propose future initiatives.

The committee also addressed the grievances of Radio Pakistan pensioners and directed the relevant authorities to resolve the 353 pending commutation cases without delay.

According to police, Aslam, a resident of Mohallah Karampura, was identified after investigators traced the mobile number used to upload the video. The investigation confirmed that she is not affiliated with the Punjab Police and used a counterfeit police uniform.

District Police Officer (DPO) Javed Iqbal Chadhar said the suspect was taken into custody. He also warned that the  use of official uniforms to make videos is a crime.

Speaking at a press briefing on July 21, NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim said the network had been operating since 2019, targeting individuals seeking services from the embassies of Italy, Germany, Sweden, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The group allegedly used fake Google business profiles, counterfeit websites, forged documents, call-forwarding, and caller ID spoofing to deceive victims. Some suspects also posed as Singapore Police officers during video calls to intimidate victims.

The arrests followed a raid on a fake call centre in Bahria Town Phase IV, Rawalpindi, where authorities seized 21 mobile phones, a vehicle, a Singapore Police uniform, phishing emails, fake appointment letters, PTCL records, Gmail accounts, and other digital evidence for forensic analysis.

In a separate operation, the NCCIA dismantled a phishing network operating the Tycoon2FA platform, which allegedly created more than 96,000 phishing applications,fake accounts, and malicious links targeting victims in Pakistan, the Americas, Central Asia, and Europe. Two suspects were arrested, and computers, servers, mobile phones, and storage devices were seized. The agency said proceeds from the fraud had been invested in properties in Islamabad, with confiscation proceedings underway.

The operations, supervised by NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, led to the seizure of mobile phones, SIM cards, and other digital devices containing electronic evidence.

In Lahore, Qaiser Bilal was arrested for allegedly creating a TikTok account to post a woman’s photographs and impersonating a government official to intimidate and blackmail her. In Faisalabad, Subhan Ahmad was arrested for allegedly blackmailing a complainant’s sister through social media and WhatsApp, while in Multan, Muhammad Imran was detained for allegedly sharing objectionable images of a complainant via WhatsApp and harassing her family  and her. A court granted four days’ physical remand of Imran for further investigation.

NCCIA Punjab Director Wasim said the agency remains committed to protecting women from online threats and ensuring the strict enforcement of cybercrime laws. He added that the NCCIA would use advanced digital forensic techniques to bring offenders to justice.

The Sindh government announced plans to create a provincial-level monitoring cell aimed at addressing the challenge of “negative and misleading propaganda” on social media platforms. The initiative, detailed by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on July 22, seeks to ensure accountability of those disseminating false information and to safeguard national interests.

During a meeting, officials discussed the need to counter coordinated misinformation campaigns and harmful online content. The meeting was attended by Information Secretary Kashif Gulzar Shaikh, Director General Information Moiz Pirzada, and others.

Memon emphasised the need for legal action against those spreading false and misleading information, stating, “Effective legal action against those involved in spreading false and misleading information is essential.”

He added that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it should not be used as a shield for spreading falsehoods, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting accurate information and protecting the country’s national interests.