Latest news with #NationalCyberCrimeInvestigationAgency
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minister shrugs off PECA criticism
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar speaks to Voice of America in an interview. Photo: Screengrab/VoA Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Wednesday that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a new national agency are aimed at tackling rising digital threats — not suppressing freedom of expression. Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said the legislation is designed to improve accountability in the online space and protect vulnerable communities. The remarks by the minister come amid growing concerns around freedom of speech in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had banned 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The ban had been imposed by a lower court following a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of spreading anti-state and defamatory content. The move was enabled under provisions of the PECA. "These laws are not meant to suppress free speech," he said. "Even the best democracies maintain systems of justice and accountability." He said the legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. "The digital space must protect, not endanger, those already at risk in society," he added. Tarar warned that the misuse of social media poses one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he said the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat. "Fake news and propaganda are among the most dangerous issues facing societies today," he said. "Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms." He blamed all political parties for contributing to the unchecked growth of online misinformation and called for a national effort to promote responsible digital conduct. Information minister noted the rapid expansion of social media and the shift from traditional print to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little oversight. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness around societal issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social media should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue. "Social media should work under a new framework to address real social issues," he concluded.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Cyber Crime Agency summons Aleema Khan over 'anti-state' posts
Listen to article The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued a notice summoning Aleema Khan in connection with alleged anti-state activities carried out through social media. According to sources within the NCCIA, Aleema has been directed to appear in person at the agency's Lahore office in Gulberg-II on Thursday at 11:30 am. The summons relates to an inquiry linked to a case registered against her on May 27, 2025. Officials told Express News that the purpose of her appearance is to record a statement in her defence. The inquiry pertains to allegations that Aleema was involved in online activity deemed hostile to the state. Read More: PECA aimed at tackling digital threats, not silencing free speech: Tarar The notice warned that failure to comply would be interpreted as a refusal or inability to present a defence. It further stated that in the event of non-compliance, legal proceedings would move forward in absentia. The NCCIA cautioned that failure to appear could result in action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with non-attendance in response to an order from a public servant. In such a case, the agency said, arrest could be warranted. The federal government formally established the NCCIA last year, replacing the Federal Investigation Agency's cybercrime wing. The new body had been tasked with handling a growing number of online offences. At the time of the NCCIA's creation, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had stated that the authority was set up to address issues such as online harassment, misinformation, and the spread of anti-state propaganda, while safeguarding the digital rights of citizens.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PECA aimed at tackling digital threats, not silencing free speech: Tarar
Listen to article Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Wednesday that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a new national agency are aimed at tackling rising digital threats—not suppressing freedom of expression. Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said the legislation is designed to improve accountability in the online space and protect vulnerable communities. The remarks by the minister come amid growing concerns around freedom of speech in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had banned 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The ban had been imposed by a lower court following a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of spreading anti-state and defamatory content. The move was enabled under provisions of the PECA. 'These laws are not meant to suppress free speech,' he said. 'Even the best democracies maintain systems of justice and accountability.' He said the legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. Read: Provinces made party to case against PECA amendments 'The digital space must protect, not endanger, those already at risk in society,' he added. Tarar warned that the misuse of social media poses one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he said the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat. 'Fake news and propaganda are among the most dangerous issues facing societies today,' he said. 'Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms.' He blamed all political parties for contributing to the unchecked growth of online misinformation and called for a national effort to promote responsible digital conduct. Information minister noted the rapid expansion of social media and the shift from traditional print to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little oversight. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness around societal issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social media should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue. 'Social media should work under a new framework to address real social issues,' he concluded.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Foreigners among 65 held in NCCIA raid
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) raided an illegal call centre in the federal capital on Sunday and arrested more than 65 people, including five foreigners, and seized record of their illegal activities, officials said. The NCCIA, an organisation responsible for eliminating cybercrimes, successfully raided the call centre in Islamabad's G-10 Sector. Officials said that the five foreigners and more than 60 Pakistanis were arrested during running of their operation. An NCCIA spokesperson said that further legal action would be taken against those who provided facilities and security to these persons.
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Court suspends blocking of 5 more YouTube channels
ISLAMABAD: A local court on Saturday suspended the blocking order for another five YouTube channels, bringing the total number of channels granted temporary relief to seven, amid growing debate over media freedom and digital censorship. Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka issued the latest order while hearing appeals against an earlier decision by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah, who had approved a request to block 27 YouTube channels on the grounds of allegedly spreading false and misleading content against state institutions. The latest suspension applies to channels operated by Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Orya Maqbool Jan, Abdul Qadir, Uzair Anwar, and Umair Rafiq. During a previous hearing, the court had already suspended the blocking orders for the channels of noted journalists Matiullah Jan and Asad Toor. 27 YouTube channels banned However, the court did not issue a decision on the appeal filed by senior journalist Habib Akram, citing his unavailability. His case has been adjourned for a future hearing. The court also issued notices to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), seeking a formal reply by July 21. Earlier, Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah had issued orders to block the 27 YouTube channels on the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)'s petition. Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah in its two-page written order says, the enquiry officer of the police station Cyber Crime Circle Islamabad (CCCI) of the NCCIA has approached the court under Section 94 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), 1898 and stated that during the course of inquiry evidence regarding 27 YouTube channels it came on record the channels are involved in publicly disseminating/ propagating false, misleading and fake information against the state institutions/ officials. The order says that in the light of facts explained and evidence presented by the enquiry officer, this court is convinced that the subject matter constitutes offences punishable under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and Penal Laws of Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
