The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has warned the public against keeping or sharing child sexual abuse material (pornography), engaging in online harassment and circulating suspicious links.
The NCCIA Additional Director and Head of Lahore Zone, SP Atif Ameer, while addressing a press conference, made it very clear that all those involved in cybercrime could face legal action.
He said the agency was using artificial intelligence (AI) technology and working with relevant organisations to identify illegal content and investigate cybercrime cases.
He urged people not to store, share or forward child sexual abuse material and advised anyone who encountered such content to report it to the relevant authorities rather than circulate it further.
The NCCIA has also warned against using social media to harass or threaten others, including by sending unsolicited or obscene messages, images or videos.
According to Atif Ameer, the agency had dealt with a case involving a girl in the United Kingdom (UK) who was allegedly being harassed through Snapchat by a guy in Pakistan.
The agency also urged people to exercise caution when receiving links or messages from unknown individuals or companies.
Users were advised not to open suspicious links or provide personal information, passwords or banking details to unverified websites.
The NCCIA also warned against forwarding unverified offers and links to friends and family, as these could expose others to online scams.
However, receiving a suspicious link or forwarding one unintentionally does not automatically establish criminal liability. Any legal action would depend on the circumstances and applicable law.
Atif said the NCCIA had signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with organisations in the artificial intelligence sector to support efforts to identify child sexual abuse material and prevent online exploitation.
He said information provided by technology organisations had helped investigators identify suspected illegal content and pursue cases.
The use of AI can assist investigations, but allegations must still be assessed on the available evidence and in accordance with legal procedures.
The Head of Lahore Zone further added that the NCCIA had arrested three suspects during operations in Faisalabad and Gujranwala in cases involving child sexual abuse material.
Two suspects, identified as Faizan and Hassan, were arrested in Faisalabad, while a third suspect, named Ammar, was arrested in Gujranwala.
He said information from an AI-related organisation had led investigators to the Faisalabad case. In Gujranwala, authorities had also received information about suspected illegal material involving children before carrying out an operation.
The NCCIA said it would continue taking action against suspected offenders and urged the public to report online abuse, avoid sharing illegal content and remain alert to potential scams.
