ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is facing an unprecedented surge in cybercrime, with complaints rising at a pace that has overwhelmed the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency. A new federal government report indicates that electronic crimes have become harder to control as the volume of complaints continues to climb each year.
According to the report, cybercrime complaints increased from 108,989 in 2024 to 112,663 in 2025. Officials say this steady rise highlights a rapidly expanding digital threat environment that continues to outpace enforcement capacity.
This year, complaints have already crossed 80,000, placing significant pressure on the NCCIA’s operational performance. Agencies tasked with investigating digital crimes now struggle to respond promptly due to the massive case load.
Furthermore, despite receiving more than 100,000 complaints in 2025, the NCCIA opened inquiries into only 26,036 cases. Out of these, officers formally registered 1,955 cases. Investigations led to the arrest of 2,445 suspects, while courts convicted 32 individuals and acquitted 122 others.
Nevertheless, officials say limited manpower remains the most critical challenge. They argue that insufficient investigation officers have slowed the agency’s response time and weakened its ability to handle complex digital cases.
To address this issue, the NCCIA has expanded its network of centers from 15 to 64 across Pakistan. This expansion aims to improve public access and encourage reporting of cyber fraud, harassment, hacking, and other online crimes.
Moreover, authorities have prepared a detailed PC-1 to recruit trained investigators. The Interior Ministry will now seek the prime minister’s approval to hire additional staff for the cybercrime agency.
Officials believe that increased manpower will help the NCCIA manage rising complaint numbers and enhance its capacity to counter digital threats more effectively.
Still, experts warn that electronic crimes are growing faster than enforcement resources. They stress that without urgent recruitment and better infrastructure, Pakistan’s cybercrime burden will continue to escalate.
