The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication announced the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in a notification dated April 24. This new body is set to replace the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing, which has now ceased its cybercrime functions.

The announcement followed remarks by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who expressed the government’s commitment to “safeguard the digital rights of people” and “counter propaganda and rumors on social media.” 

According to an official from the Interior Ministry official, the NCCIA will be empowered through legislation giving it sweeping powers to police cyberspace. 

The transition from the FIA to the NCCIA involves transferring all personnel, ongoing cases, investigations, and assets from the FIA’s defunct cyber crime wing to the newly formed agency.

The NCCIA structure will include various roles such as a director general, additional director general, directors, and other officers as determined necessary. The director general’s appointment will be for a term of two years, extendable based on performance, with eligibility until the age of 63. 

Initially, until new appointments are regularized, the existing personnel of the FIA Cyber Crime Wing will continue their duties under the new agency for up to one year on their current terms of service.