FIA and Cybercrime Wing
The federal government has appointed new leadership to key investigative and cybersecurity agencies, signaling a strategic push to enhance national security and law enforcement capabilities amid rising challenges in the digital and criminal landscapes.
According to an official notification issued by the Establishment Division, seasoned police officer Riffat Mukhtar Raja has been appointed as the new Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). A Grade-21 officer in the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Riffat brings with him a wealth of experience in policing and administration.
Over the course of his distinguished career, he has held several prominent positions, including Inspector General of the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) and Inspector General of Sindh Police. His latest appointment places him at the helm of Pakistan’s premier federal investigative institution during a period of mounting complexity in both traditional and cyber-related criminal investigations.
Riffat’s leadership is expected to steer the FIA through critical reforms and bolster its capacity to handle high-profile cases involving terrorism, money laundering, immigration fraud, and human trafficking, among other crimes.
His diverse background in enforcement and public safety is seen as a strong asset in reinvigorating the agency’s operational effectiveness.
In a parallel move, the government has also announced the appointment of Waqar-ud-Din Syed as the first Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)—a newly-formed entity under the Interior Division, dedicated exclusively to combating cybercrime.
Waqar is a Grade-20 PSP officer with specialized experience in the digital domain, having previously served as Director of the FIA’s Cybercrime Circle. His contributions in this area earned him the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz, in recognition of his commitment to countering online threats and advancing digital security protocols.
The establishment of the NCCIA and Waqar’s appointment as its inaugural chief reflects the government’s increased emphasis on addressing the growing menace of cybercrime.
From data breaches to digital financial fraud, Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape has become more vulnerable, necessitating the formation of a specialized, tech-savvy agency to respond to evolving threats.
Both appointments underline the government’s strategic priority to modernize and strengthen investigative frameworks, improve inter-agency coordination, and enhance public trust in the justice system through professional leadership. The notification by the Establishment Division formalizes these key changes in the federal law enforcement structure.
