Government Expands Scope of AMLA
In a significant step to combat digital crimes, the government has decided to bring cyber offenses under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). The move aims to strengthen the legal framework and ensure stricter action against online offenders.
NCCIA Granted Expanded Powers
According to an official notification, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has been granted wider authority. It can now act against cyber terrorism, electronic fraud, child pornography, online grooming, and identity theft.
Disinformation Campaigns Under Scrutiny
Spreading false or misleading information on social media will also be punishable under AMLA. Authorities confirmed that income generated through digital disinformation campaigns will be investigated as a financial crime.
Action Against SIM Fraud and Exploitation
The NCCIA’s mandate now includes probing cases involving unauthorized SIM issuance, child exploitation, abduction, human smuggling, and trafficking where misuse of information systems is detected.
Strengthening Cyber Crime Laws
Interior Ministry officials stated that these amendments are designed to bolster cybercrime prevention and ensure swift, effective action against offenders.
Also on TTI:
Government Officers Misused Benazir Income Support Programme
A sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was informed that hundreds of government officials had embezzled funds meant for the poor under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). These included serving bureaucrats, pensioners, and even their spouses.
High-Ranking Bureaucrats Named in Audit
The BISP secretary disclosed that 85 officers of Grade 20, 630 officers of Grade 19, and even Grade 22 officials were among those who illegally received payments. Most belonged to provincial cadres, while government servants are not eligible under the programme’s rules.
