The Crisis of Cybercrime in Pakistan: An In-Depth Analysis

In recent years, Pakistan’s digital economy has found itself ensnared in a web of cyber scams, data breaches, and online financial fraud. As scammers increasingly exploit online banking platforms and deceptive investment schemes, the consequences for unsuspecting users have become dire. A recent report sheds light on the alarming scale of this crisis, revealing systemic failures in law enforcement and regulatory frameworks.

The Alarming Statistics

Between 2020 and 2024, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) received a staggering 722,000 complaints related to cybercrime. However, the response has been woefully inadequate. Fewer than 10% of these complaints were formally investigated, and only 152 cases resulted in convictions. In 2024 alone, over 13,000 complaints of online financial fraud led to 1,212 arrests, yet only 17 verdicts were delivered. These figures not only highlight inefficiencies but also point to a broader systemic collapse in justice and deterrence.

Financial Sector Under Siege

The financial sector has been particularly hard-hit by this wave of cybercrime. In the first quarter of 2024, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) imposed fines exceeding PKR 776 million on eight major banks due to lapses in anti-money laundering protocols and fraud risk management. The Banking Mohtasib resolved nearly 28,000 digital fraud complaints in 2024, resulting in PKR 1.65 billion in restitution. However, these recoveries pale in comparison to the scale of unrecovered losses and the erosion of consumer confidence in the banking system.

The Rise of Organized Cybercrime

Digital fraud in Pakistan has evolved into a form of organized, industrial-scale crime. A notable example occurred in July 2025 when the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) dismantled a massive Ponzi scheme operating from a Faisalabad call center, leading to the arrest of 149 suspects, including foreign nationals. This incident underscores the sophistication and scale of cybercriminal operations in the country.

Regulatory Challenges

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has flagged 141 illegal lending apps that exploit social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Many of these apps re-emerge under new names even after regulatory takedowns, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities in combating digital fraud. The Pakistan Cybersecurity Council’s 2024 report reveals that over 60% of Pakistani companies fail to implement basic cybersecurity protocols, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication.

Despite legislative efforts, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and the National Cybersecurity Policy 2021, Pakistan’s response to cybercrime remains fragmented. Jurisdictional overlaps and turf wars between the FIA and NCCIA have created confusion over investigative responsibilities, further weakening enforcement efforts.

Overburdened Law Enforcement

With only 350 cybercrime investigators in the country tasked with handling over 160,000 cases, each officer is burdened with an average of 6,000 complaints annually. Some provinces have as few as two digital locators and five forensic vehicles, severely limiting their capacity to respond effectively. The judiciary is also ill-equipped to handle cybercrime cases, lacking technical training and specialized benches for digital evidence interpretation.

Vulnerable Digital Infrastructure

Pakistan’s digital infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported a 17% rise in attacks on critical systems, with phishing incidents surging by 173% globally, a trend mirrored domestically. While the ‘CTDISR-2025’ initiative introduced commendable security protocols, compliance remains uneven, primarily limited to major telecom operators. Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) for banking and government are still in their infancy, and incident response capabilities are under-resourced.

Conclusion

The crisis of cybercrime in Pakistan is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention from both the government and the private sector. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must the strategies for combating cyber threats. Enhanced regulatory frameworks, improved law enforcement capabilities, and a commitment to cybersecurity best practices are essential to restoring consumer confidence and safeguarding the digital economy. Without decisive action, the cycle of fraud and victimization is likely to persist, further undermining the integrity of Pakistan’s financial and digital ecosystems.