New agency to fight cybercrimes, other criminal activities

LAHORE: The federal government has decided to set up a National Forensics and Cybercrime Agency (NFSA) to eradicate cybercrimes and other criminal activities through the use of artificial intelligence and smart digital technology.

A draft of the “National Forensics and Cybercrime Agency Act 2024” has also been prepared. Besides using traditional methods of investigation including pathology, DNA analysis, toxicology, narcotics, fingerprints, serology, ballistics, explosives, odontology, document examination and crime scene investigation, the National Forensics and Cybercrime Agency will investigate crime using artificial intelligence and smart digital technology.

The NFSA, as a specialized agency, will be the focal agency for all forensic crimes including conventional, digital and cyber offences. Appeals in cases filed under CrPC by the NFSA can be filed in the High Court. It will be an autonomous agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior. It will be headquartered in Islamabad while it may establish its offices in other parts of the country. The NFSA will create a database of all traditional, digital and cyber criminals and after approval of the competent authority, access to this database will be given to law enforcement agencies for information. The prime minister will appoint a Grade 21 officer as the Director General of the agency who will hold office for three years. The NFSA will have a board of governors. Independent members of the board shall be appointed by the government for a term of three years and shall not hold office for more than two terms.