Tariq Moin Siddiqui
Bureau Chief
Geo News
As countries increasingly benefit from new and advanced technologies, large-scale efforts are also underway to address the risks that accompany them. Governments and the private sector alike are highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of technology to effectively respond to emerging challenges. Pakistan, too, is facing a growing wave of cybercrime, including child exploitation material, Ponzi schemes, malicious websites, WhatsApp hacking, online fraud, and cyberstalking particularly harassment targeting women.
Last year, the federal government established the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). While hundreds of cybercrime cases surfaced, effective prevention and resolution remained elusive. As a result, the credibility of the institution suffered significantly. Initially, the NCCIA was separated from the FIA Cyber Crime Wing to better address contemporary needs. However, in light of registered cases, the federal cyber security institution unfortunately failed to establish its relevance due to corruption and incompetence among staff. Prosecution processes could not be completed, largely because of the absence of technical experts.
Like many other institutions, traditional bureaucracy and political interference overwhelmed this highly sensitive and critical agency. When examining the digital crime landscape, Pakistan now appears among the top five countries affected by cybercrime. This reality underscores a clear need: alongside bureaucrats, the sector urgently requires highly skilled technocrats.
In developed countries, cybercrime is controlled through the effective use of digital forensic science. Pakistan must adopt a similar approach. Investigations into NCCIA officers in Islamabad regarding alleged facilitation of cybercrime and internal involvement reveal that the absence of a technical head or supervisor led to delays in reporting. At the same time, corrupt officers and investigative staff allegedly manipulated or withheld technical reports for personal gain.
It is also important to note that due to the lack of technical expertise and the neglect of digital forensic science, victims were at times falsely implicated as offenders, while actual criminals portrayed themselves as victims—resulting in bribes worth millions of rupees. Such distortions could only have been prevented through proper digital forensic investigations. This further highlights the critical importance of integrating technocrats with bureaucratic leadership in this field.
At the international level, Pakistan is rapidly climbing the ranks in reported cybercrime incidents. One major reason is that victims often fail to obtain effective action against perpetrators after filing complaints. Previously, the FIA Cyber Crime Wing possessed forensic capabilities, but these experts were not given a leading role. If technocrats are empowered and placed in leadership positions, performance can improve significantly.
Another essential reform is the psychological evaluation of personnel working in both the technical and operational wings of cybercrime units. This is a global best practice, particularly for high-stress jobs. Regular psychological assessments—conducted every three months—help ensure mental well-being and prevent misconduct against complainants. Such evaluations should be viewed as a professional standard, not a stigma.
Across Pakistan’s provinces, improvements in cyber security and digital crime control further emphasize the importance of technocratic leadership. Currently, the Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in Islamabad is a technocrat. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board has even won an international award in China for its performance. These examples in e-governance and service delivery demonstrate that when technocracy is given the lead, both provincial and national digital landscapes can significantly improve.
Although powers have been granted under the PECA law, prevention of cybercrime must take precedence. Within the NCCIA, if positions such as Director General exist, they should be filled by experienced technocrats who not only understand digital crime but are also familiar with local culture and realities. Such leadership would strengthen investigations, improve prosecutions, address institutional weaknesses, and help ensure convictions.
Ultimately, increasing the conviction rate of individuals involved in digital crimes will play a decisive role in controlling cybercrime across the country.
