Islamabad, The Ministry of Interior has formally issued a new set of rules for the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), significantly broadening its powers to tackle the rising scale and sophistication of cyber offences in Pakistan.

Confirming the development, NCCIA Director General Waqaruddin Syed announced that the updated regulatory framework has been circulated for immediate implementation. A key feature of these rules is the agency’s authority to freeze properties within Pakistan, marking a decisive move against financial crimes tied to cyber activity.

To maintain accountability, all property-freezing actions will require the prior approval of the Director General. Furthermore, the revised framework empowers the NCCIA to collaborate with international agencies on cross-border investigations, enhancing Pakistan’s capacity to counter increasingly complex and transnational cybercrime networks.

The NCCIA’s mandate covers investigations under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, and the agency will work in close coordination with sensitive institutions and provincial authorities to ensure a unified national response to cyber threats.

Recognising emerging risks, the NCCIA is also setting up specialised units to combat online financial fraud and address the rising menace of online child exploitation. These measures aim to strengthen Pakistan’s cyber resilience and deliver a stronger deterrent against digital criminal networks.