NCCIA fate being discussed

KARACHI: Following the ongoing corruption investigations against officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the registration of formal cases, intense debate has begun within the government and influential circles about the future of the agency entirely.

According to sources, a proposal is under active consideration to restore the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing to its earlier role as the primary body handling cybercrime investigations, especially high-profile cases involving digital fraud, hacking, and financial scams.

Officials familiar with the matter said that the government is reassessing the NCCIA’s structure, efficiency, and accountability mechanisms after recent corruption scandals tarnished its credibility.

Another suggestion under discussion is the creation of dedicated cybercrime desks in local police stations, modelled on similar setups in India, where graduate-level IT experts would be deployed to assist police investigators in handling cyber-related complaints. Sources said the final decision will be made after reviewing both administrative feasibility and the need for an effective national mechanism to combat rising cyber threats.