In a bid to bolster its response to cybercrime, the Pakistani government has unveiled plans to establish the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). This new agency, operating under the Ministry of Interior, will assume the responsibilities previously held by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Investigation Wing.
A gazette notification has been issued by the government, outlining the formation of the NCCIA and effectively disbanding the FIA’s cybercrime division. The notification provides a blueprint for the agency’s structure, including the appointment of a Director General (DG) who must hold a minimum grade 21 position and be under the age of 63. The DG will be appointed by the federal government for a two-year term.
Furthermore, the NCCIA will comprise a team of Additional Director Generals, Directors, Additional Directors, Assistant Directors, and other necessary personnel. All ongoing inquiries, investigations, and assets from the FIA Cyber Crime Wing will be transferred to the newly formed agency.
This move is anticipated to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to combat cybercrime and tackle the increasing challenges posed by malicious actors online. The dedicated agency will prioritize the investigation and mitigation of cyber threats, including those targeting national security and critical infrastructure.
