Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi recently presented a detailed report in the National Assembly on the performance of FIA cybercrime division over the past five years, covering the period from 2020 to 2024. The report provided comprehensive data on the rise in cybercrime cases, detailing the number of complaints received, the verification process, investigations, case registrations, arrests, and convictions during this time.
According to the report, FIA received a staggering 722,010 complaints related to cybercrime over the past five years. Of these, 422,781 complaints were verified, and 71,862 cases were investigated. However, the report highlights a concerning trend in the number of cases that were registered and the subsequent conviction rate. Despite the high volume of complaints, only 5,342 cases were registered by FIA, and even more troubling, only 152 convictions were recorded, resulting in a conviction rate of just 2.84 percent of registered cases.
The statistics underscore the growing challenge of dealing with cybercrime in Pakistan, with the number of complaints steadily rising year after year. In 2020, FIA received 102,000 complaints, but this figure saw a significant surge, reaching 152,136 complaints by 2023, marking a 49 percent increase over the course of three years. Interestingly, the number of complaints showed a decline in 2024, with 123,893 complaints, a 18 percent drop compared to 2023. This shift in numbers may be attributed to a variety of factors, including improved awareness and proactive measures by FIA or perhaps a change in the general nature of cybercrimes.
In line with the increase in complaints, the verification process also saw an upward trajectory, peaking at 98,882 verifications in 2020. However, verification figures started to decline over the years, reaching 83,552 in 2022 and finally dropping to 68,627 in 2024. These fluctuations in verification and investigation numbers could indicate growing pressure on FIA’s resources, which may be struggling to keep up with the expanding volume of cases.
When it comes to investigations, FIA reported a steady increase in the number of cases under investigation from 9,112 investigations in 2020 to a peak of 18,100 investigations in 2023. However, the investigations took a downturn in 2024, with the number dropping to 16,555. Similarly, the number of case registrations showed improvement initially, reaching 601 in 2020 and climbing to 1,469 cases in 2022, before witnessing a drop to 1,044 cases in 2024.
The report also highlighted the number of arrests made by FIA, which followed a similar pattern of growth and subsequent decline. In 2020, there were 625 arrests, and by 2023, this number had surged to 2,007 arrests. However, arrests fell back to 1,382 in 2024, possibly reflecting the challenges of maintaining momentum in combating cybercrime amid growing complexities in the sector.
While the increase in complaints and investigations indicates a rising awareness of cybercrime issues in Pakistan, the report reveals a significant gap in terms of registering cases and securing convictions. The low conviction rate of just 2.84 percent in relation to registered cases raises concerns about the effectiveness of the legal framework and investigative procedures in dealing with cybercrime. Critics argue that the sluggish pace of case registrations and convictions may be due to a lack of adequate cyber laws, outdated technology, and insufficient specialized training for law enforcement agencies to tackle digital crime effectively.
The data also paints a picture of a growing demand for more investment in cybercrime infrastructure, both in terms of human resources and technological tools, to meet the increasing number of cases. Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, and while FIA has made significant strides in investigating cases, it is clear that more needs to be done to keep up with the fast-paced nature of digital crime, which often crosses borders and involves sophisticated criminal networks.
Experts have suggested that Pakistan needs a more robust cybersecurity policy, with greater emphasis on preventative measures, enhanced cooperation between national and international law enforcement agencies, and a judicial system equipped to handle the complexities of cybercrime cases. The low conviction rate also points to the need for stricter laws and more streamlined procedures to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
In response to the challenges, FIA has assured the public that it is working to improve its infrastructure and capabilities to better handle the rising tide of cybercrime. The agency is expected to ramp up its efforts in 2025, focusing on expanding its technological capabilities, improving collaboration with other national and international entities, and enhancing training programs for its staff.
In conclusion, while the data presented by Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi paints a picture of progress in addressing cybercrime, it also underscores the significant challenges that lie ahead. With cybercrime on the rise and technological threats becoming more sophisticated, Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies must work swiftly to adapt and evolve in order to ensure that they can keep pace with the growing digital threat landscape.
