About 22% of the 171,600 cases reported to the agency were reported by women, NCCIA data shows.
The Punjab National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Wednesday set up a dedicated special cell to expedite registration, investigation and resolution of cybercrime cases involving women, children and girls.
Talk to The Express PK Press ClubNCCIA Punjab Director (Operations) Muhammad Ali Wasim said the move was aimed at strengthening the agency’s efforts to protect vulnerable groups from cybercrime, including harassment, blackmail and exploitation.
The director said all cybercrime complaints involving women and children would now be handled by the newly established special cell and supervised by the deputy director to ensure immediate investigation, effective case management and timely prosecution.
Wasim said the cybercrime cell had adopted “zero tolerance policy” against perpetrators involved in online blackmail, development of fake social media accounts and unauthorized sharing of private photographs and videos.
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He warned of strict legal action against violators in accordance with applicable laws.
In addition, the task force was also responsible for providing immediate legal assistance, support and protection to victims to ensure that victims benefit from rapid access to justice and appropriate safeguards throughout the investigation process, the director detailed.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to tackling cybercrime targeting vulnerable people, Wasim said, “Cybercrimes against women and minors will not be tolerated under any circumstances. »
“Every victim is encouraged to contact the NCCIA without fear. Every complaint will be handled promptly and strictly in accordance with the law.”
He highlighted that the establishment of the cell reflected the NCCIA’s broader efforts to strengthen its response to cyber crimes and improve support mechanisms for victims across Punjab.
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Wasim further said that six of the department’s 50 personnel have been assigned to the cell to expedite resolution of complaints.
According to data provided on the agency’s website, of the 171,600 cases reported to the agency, 21.6% were reported by women.
Lahore leads in the number of digital crime reports, accounting for 18% of the total cases.
Financial fraud remains the most reported cybercrime, according to statistics available on the agency’s web portal.
