A cybercrime helpline has been established to facilitate prompt responses to complaints.
On Tuesday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated a cybercrime helpline, 1799, designed to facilitate the prompt settlement of complaints, as reported by the media.
The development occurred during Naqvi’s visit to the headquarters of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA), formed earlier this year, as reported by the APP news agency.
The minister visited multiple departments, including the helpline center, forensic laboratory, and network security division, commending the workers for their endeavors in combating cybercrime.
The interior minister stated, “The helpline is now fully operational, and citizens can report cybercrime complaints by calling 1799.”
In April, Pakistan restructured the Cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into an autonomous entity, designating it as the NCCIA. The passage of a new law to govern social media material prompted journalist organizations and rights advocates to assert that it was intended to suppress press freedom and dissent on social media.
Enacted in 2016 and subsequently reinforced with revisions in January, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was formulated with the explicit objective of addressing cybercrimes, including hacking, online harassment, and data breaches. Pakistani officials justified the PECA law, which permits offenders to receive prison sentences of up to three years and penalties of Rs2 million ($7,200).
Naqvi instructed NCCIA staff to expedite the settlement of all complaints, noting that the organization was founded to address the requirements of the contemporary digital age, as reported.
He underscored the necessity of employing innovative technology, including software and hardware, to combat cybercrime successfully and highlighted the importance of recruiting skilled personnel and providing them with essential resources.
