News Desk:Â
QUETTA: The Ministry of Interior has expanded the mandate of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), bringing a wide range of online crimes under the scope of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
According to the notification, the NCCIA will now investigate cases involving child pornography, online grooming, identity theft, electronic fraud, cyber terrorism, and the illegal issuance of SIM cards. The agency has also been empowered to take action against the spread of false or misleading information on social media, especially when such content is used to generate financial gain.
Officials said that under the amended law, earnings generated through misinformation or fraudulent online activities will be probed as money laundering. This move aims to curb the misuse of digital platforms and ensure accountability in financial transactions linked to cyberspace.
The Interior Ministry further stated that the NCCIA will play a vital role in protecting children from online exploitation and in countering human trafficking, smuggling, and kidnapping facilitated through digital networks.
The government clarified that these changes are intended to strengthen cybercrime prevention and enhance the country’s legal framework for digital security.
It may be recalled that in April 2025, the federal cabinet approved the establishment of the NCCIA under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Veteran cybercrime investigator Waqaruddin Syed was appointed as its first Director General. He previously headed the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing.
