About 22% of the 171,600 cases reported to the agency were reported by women, NCCIA data reveals
The Punjab National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Wednesday established a dedicated special cell to expedite registration, investigation and resolution of cyber crime cases involving women, children and girls.
speaks to Express PakinomistPunjab NCCIA Director (Operations) Muhammad Ali Wasim said the move was aimed at strengthening the agency’s efforts to protect vulnerable groups from cyber crimes, including harassment, extortion and exploitation.
The director said that all cyber crime complaints involving women and children will now be processed through the newly established special cell and monitored by the deputy director to ensure immediate investigation, effective case management and timely trial.
Wasim said the cyber crime cell had adopted “a zero tolerance policy” towards perpetrators involved in online extortion, developing fake social media accounts and unauthorized sharing of private photographs and videos.
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He warned of strict legal action against offenders in accordance with existing laws.
Furthermore, the special cell was also tasked with providing immediate legal assistance, victim support and protection to ensure that victims were given timely access to justice and adequate safeguards throughout the investigation process, the director explained.
Affirming the agency’s commitment to combating cybercrime targeting vulnerable individuals, Wasim said: “Cybercrime against women and minors will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
“Any victim is encouraged to contact the NCCIA without fear. Any complaint will be dealt with promptly and strictly in accordance with the law.”
He highlighted that the establishment of the cell reflected the broader efforts of the NCCIA to improve its response to cyber-enabled crimes and improve support mechanisms for victims across Punjab.
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Wasim further said that six of the 50 people in the department were assigned to the cell to speed up grievance redressal.
According to the data on the agency’s website, 21.6% of the 171,600 cases reported to the agency were reported by women.
Lahore took the lead in the number of digital crime reports accounting for 18% of the total cases.
Financial fraud remained the most reported cybercrime, according to statistics available on the agency’s web portal.
