Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has raised concerns about the growing targeting of women in online fraud and cybercrime. He urged citizens, especially women, to protect their personal information and exercise caution when sharing pictures on social media.
During a visit to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore, Naqvi announced steps to strengthen the agency’s ability to investigate online fraud, harassment, and cybercrime. He also highlighted a serious shortage of investigators handling an increasing number of complaints.
Women Increasingly Targeted in Online Blackmail
Naqvi said authorities were receiving numerous online fraud complaints, with women particularly vulnerable to harassment and blackmail. He highlighted cases in which offenders allegedly used videos to threaten and exploit women.
Therefore, he advised women to think carefully before sharing personal pictures online. Such content, he warned, could expose them to exploitation and blackmail.
The minister assured the NCCIA of the government’s full support. He also pledged to strengthen its operational capacity so investigators could respond more effectively to cybercrime complaints.
NCCIA Faces Shortage of Investigating Officers
Naqvi pointed out that the NCCIA had only 61 personnel in Punjab despite the large number of cases requiring investigation. He questioned how officers could manage such a heavy workload.
“How can the work proceed if an investigation officer is assigned 3,000 to 4,000 cases?” he asked.
The minister said the government was taking steps to improve the effectiveness of cybercrime enforcement. However, the staff shortage highlights the pressure on investigators dealing with fraud, harassment, and other digital offences.
Meanwhile, Naqvi warned citizens against sending money to people making suspicious requests for financial assistance. He specifically mentioned individuals claiming to be ill as a possible pretext for fraud.
He also announced plans for public awareness campaigns to help people recognise online scams and protect themselves from digital criminals.
Women Report Harassment and Cyber Blackmail
During his visit, Naqvi held an open court at the NCCIA’s zonal headquarters in Lahore. He listened to complaints from citizens affected by cybercrime and online fraud.
A large number of women reported incidents involving online harassment and cyber blackmail. Their complaints highlighted the need for stronger investigations and greater public awareness.
The visit also followed an NCCIA operation in Karachi, where officers rescued a minor girl allegedly targeted by an online network suspected of links to the dark web.
NCCIA Rescues Minor Girl From Alleged Online Network
According to agency officials, the operation followed information provided by an international intelligence agency. Investigators said the online network had allegedly assigned the girl a series of dangerous tasks.
Her first alleged task involved poisoning and killing a cat, which she reportedly carried out. A subsequent instruction allegedly directed her to inflict serious harm on herself.
However, the NCCIA intervened before she could carry out the second task. Officers located the girl and informed her parents, who were reportedly unaware of her online activities.
The agency is now investigating the accounts that communicated with the girl. Investigators are also examining the network’s activities and identifying individuals allegedly connected to it.
The incident underscores the potential dangers children may encounter through online interactions. Meanwhile, Naqvi’s warning highlights the need for vigilance as authorities work to strengthen Pakistan’s response to cybercrime.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
