Home » Blog » How to Report Cyber Crime in Pakistan

How to Report Cyber Crime in Pakistan

In the digital age, cyber crimes in Pakistan are on a troubling rise, making it crucial for citizens to understand how to report such offences effectively. This article aims to guide you through reporting cyber crimes and leveraging the cyber crime law in Pakistan to ensure your safety and justice.

Understanding Cyber Crimes in Pakistan:

Before diving into the reporting process, it’s essential to recognize the common types of cyber crimes in Pakistan. These include online fraud, data theft, online harassment, and financial scams, amongst others. Recognizing these crimes is the first step in combating them effectively.

Cyber Crime Law in Pakistan:

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, is the backbone of cybercrime law in Pakistan. It provides a comprehensive legal framework to address various cyber crimes, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Steps to Report Cyber Crime in Pakistan:

Identify the Crime: Understand the nature of the offence and gather all related information and evidence.
Contact the Authorities: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is the designated authority for dealing with cyber crimes in Pakistan. You can report a cyber crime by:

Visiting the National Response Center for Cyber Crime (NR3C) website.
Filing a complaint through the dedicated cyber crime reporting portal.
Directly visiting an NR3C office or FIA’s cyber crime wing.

3. Provide Detailed Information: While reporting, be ready to provide all necessary details, including any evidence of the crime (emails, messages, transaction details).
Follow-up: Keep track of your report and communicate with the authorities for further requirements or proceedings.

Some recent cybercrime cases in Pakistan include:

Banking Loan Scam: A major scam worth over Rs400 million led to the arrest of employees of the National Bank of Pakistan[1].
Online Fraud: In 2020, of 84,764 total complaints, financial fraud was the most common type reported[3]. In the first 2 months of 2022 alone, there were 212,485 reported cyber crimes, more than in 2018[3].
Online Stalking and Harassment: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has received thousands of complaints of cybercrimes, including social media defamation, online stalking, and harassment[2].
Data Theft: Pakistan has a cybercrime law to deal with such crimes, but it still does not have a data protection law. This means that hotels, restaurants, retailers, online stores, etc., can freely ask for personal information[1].
Child Pornography: There were 98 complaints of child pornography in 2022[2].
Online Fraud through Microloan Apps: Online fraud through Microloan apps has become a common phenomenon in Pakistan, with weak implementation of cyber-laws[4].

These cases highlight the increasing prevalence of cybercrime in Pakistan, particularly in the areas of financial fraud, data theft, and online harassment. The country must strengthen its cybersecurity measures and implement stricter laws to combat these issues effectively.

For Filing a Complaint of Cyber Crime in Pakistan:

Contact number: 051-9106384 or 03366006060.

E-mail address: [email protected].

Address: NR3C-FIA, National Police Foundation Building, 2nd Floor, G-10/4, Mauve Area, Islamabad.

Importance of Timely Reporting:

Prompt reporting of cyber crimes is crucial. It not only helps in the swift apprehension of the perpetrators but also aids in preventing further crimes. Timely action can lead to the recovery of lost assets and prevent misuse of stolen data.

Challenges and The Way Forward:

While the framework to report cybercrime in Pakistan exists, challenges like the lack of awareness and the need for more robust data protection laws persist. Continuous efforts are being made to strengthen the cybercrime law in Pakistan and to ensure that citizens can easily report cybercrime in Pakistan.

Conclusion:

Understanding how to report cybercrime in Pakistan is pivotal for the safety and security of citizens. By being informed and vigilant, we can collectively combat the menace of cyber crimes and create a safer digital environment for all.

In conclusion, staying informed about the cybercrime law in Pakistan, recognizing the signs of cyber crimes, and knowing how to report cybercrime in Pakistan are your best defences against these growing threats. Stay alert, stay informed, and contribute to a safer digital Pakistan.

Contact Advocate Online for Legal Assistance:

If you find yourself in need of legal advice regarding cyber crimes in Pakistan, Advocate Online is here to assist you. Our lawyers specialize in cybercrime law and can effectively guide you through reporting offenses. Whether you require online consultations or prefer a physical meeting in Karachi, Pakistan, we are ready to provide the legal support you need.