ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has issued new rules for the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), giving it stronger powers to act against online criminals, the News reported.

Under the new rules, the NCCIA can now freeze properties in Pakistan, but only with the approval of the agency’s Director General. The Director General’s approval will also be needed to restore any frozen assets. The agency will be able to work with international organizations during investigations.

The NCCIA will carry out investigations under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and will coordinate closely with security agencies and provincial authorities.

Special units are being set up within the NCCIA to tackle online financial fraud and child exploitation cases. Investigations can be launched based on source reports, but again, the Director General’s approval will be required before starting.

The rules also make it mandatory for NCCIA staff to wear uniforms, and a self-accountability unit will be created to ensure transparency in operations. The Ministry of Interior has ordered the immediate implementation of these rules.

Earlier, the NCCIA busted a sophisticated cybercrime network in Multan. The group was running elaborate online scams targeting both Pakistanis and foreigners through social media.

According to officials, the main suspect, identified as Arsalan from Dunyapur, Multan, was part of a large syndicate operating on platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. They lured people with fake game shows, marriage proposals, and foreign aid schemes.

Victims were shown fake videos of foreign currency and promised large amounts of financial help in exchange for “tax” payments. The gang also used fake profiles on matrimonial sites to win people’s trust before defrauding them. Authorities say the group extracted millions of rupees through these scams.

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