Sindh police, FIA to jointly combat terrorism, human trafficking

In a recent meeting with the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon has okayed a joint strategy for counterterrorism operations and human trafficking.

Officials said on Saturday the meeting was chaired by IGP Memon at the Central Police Office (CPO) Karachi and was attended by the DG FIA and other officials from the Sindh police and the FIA Sindh.

They said the Sindh FIA DG had given a briefing regarding ongoing operations against money laundering, terror financing and other cases in consultation with Interpol. Moreover, the meeting discussed cases related to suspects who were wanted for criminal offences and had flown to foreign lands.

In this regard, the FIA officials requested details of the cases in which the suspects were wanted so that they could send requests to Interpol for the repatriation of those suspects. Moreover, the meeting decided to share the investigation and challan submitted in the court of law by both the agencies so that they could update their records that can help them in cases either lodged by the FIA or by the Sindh police in investigation.

The meeting also decided to share details of cases related to money laundering and terror financing, including the data of the absconders, and to work jointly besides sharing information of extortionists and other criminals for their arrests. Moreover, the meeting decided to consult with the International Police for joint operations against the criminals wanted by the Pakistan government.

It discussed in length a recent amendment to the cybercrime law. The brief of the amended law said: “The federal government has finalised the draft amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, introducing significant changes and additions.”

According to sources, several sections and clauses of the original Act have been modified, with four new sections and over a dozen new clauses incorporated into what will now be the PECA Act 2024. The updated Act proposes significantly harsher punishments for various offences compared to its 2016 predecessor, with many offences now classified as non-bailable. The federal cabinet has already approved the revised PECA Act 2024, and it will soon be presented in Parliament for final approval.

A notable inclusion in the new legislation is a dedicated section on cyber terrorism, with an expanded definition. The new law will classify actions intended to create fear or insecurity in the government, any section of the public, community, or sect, as cyber terrorism.

Additionally, supporting the objectives of banned organisations, individuals, or groups will also be considered cyber terrorism. Cases involving cyber terrorism will be handled by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, which will have the authority to utilise the resources of the police and the FIA and to seize the property of the accused.

The meeting also decided to organise a joint training session of police and FIA personnel that will help them in future operations.

Earlier, IGP Memon during a meeting ordered taking strict action against human trafficking and organized groups involved in it.

Upon the directions of the IGP, letters were sent by the AIG Operations CPO to all additional IGs, DIGs and SSPs of the province. It was also directed that an FIR should be registered against the owner of the building or house which is found to be used in this work and strict action should be taken.

All officers should take strict legal action against organized human trafficking or related crimes in any form or nature within the limits of their police stations.

IGP Memon also directed that FIRs should be registered against the accused, their guardians and facilitators involved in such crimes.