The Punjab Police has been given the authority to handle cybercrime cases within the province.
The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, on April 28, chaired a meeting in which she took the decision to provide complete protection to women and children on social media.
She assigned a new authority to the Punjab Police for handling cybercrime cases on social media platforms.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also approved a new department for the police, followed by the specialised crime division pattern to tackle cyber offences.
Under the new authority, the Punjab police will now be able to take cyber cases, and they also have the power to immediately act against any offence if committed within their jurisdiction.
The police officials have appreciated the step taken by the Punjab CM, saying that now the cybercrime victims can directly approach the police for seeking help.
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The authorities also mentioned that serious crimes like harassment, blackmail and other online crimes will now be registered on the spot.
The officials have ensured that justice will be served to the victims, especially women and children, as the offenders will be arrested immediately, and a no-tolerance policy will be followed.
Previously, only the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was authorised to handle cybercrime cases.
But now, with the Punjab Police also taking control of these cases will help to ensure quicker and stronger enforcement against digital abuse.
The government of Punjab earlier also launched a special cybercrime unit for protecting women and children.
The unit will be responsible for tracking the online criminals responsible for online harassment, blackmail, and targeting women and children.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities to provide every possible facility to entertain the affected women and children.
NCCIA department
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) department is a national organisation, established by the government to address the nation’s digital infrastructure, enforce cyber laws, and promote cyber awareness and resilience.
The following services are being provided by the NCCIA:
- Cyber Investigation
- Digital Forensics
- Prosecution
- Cyber Security
If you want to register a complaint against any kind of cybercrime, call the helpline 1799 or send an email to helpdesk@nccia.gov.pk.
For matters related to FIA, you can call at 1991 or send an email to complaints@fia.gov.pk.
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