Cybercrime is a growing threat in Pakistan with increasing incidents of hacking, online fraud, harassment, identity theft and other malicious activities. To combat these threats, the Pakistani government has established dedicated agencies to handle cyber-crime complaints. If you are a victim of cyber-crime, it is important to report it promptly to the relevant authorities. Today, where the internet has become integral to communication, commerce and education, cybercrime is a growing concern in Pakistan. From online harassment and financial fraud to hacking and identity theft, cybercriminals exploit digital platforms in increasingly sophisticated ways. Fortunately, Pakistan has established official channels for reporting cybercrime through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other initiatives. In this thorough article, our Tashheer research team has compiled a list of detailed guide on how to report cybercrime online in Pakistan.

What is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities carried out using digital devices, networks or the internet. Between 2020 and 2024, the FIA’s cybercrime cell verified 414,260 complaints and filed 5,713 cases in court. Pakistan’s internet penetration rate is 45.7% with 116 million users, making it a significant target for cybercriminals. In Pakistan, common types of cybercrimes include:

Legal Framework in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the legal framework for addressing cybercrime is primarily governed by the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 which provides the basis for defining and penalizing various digital offenses such as hacking, online fraud, cyber-bullying and the spread of illegal content. This law allows the Cyber Crime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate and prosecute these offenses, making the FIA the main authority responsible for enforcing cyber laws and protecting citizens from cyber threats in the country.

A Simple Guide to Reporting Cybercrime Digitally in Pakistan

Here is the Step wise Process to Report Cybercrime Online in Pakistan, mentioned as:

Collect Evidence

Before reporting the cybercrime report, gather all relevant evidence. Organizing evidence will help investigators understand and process your complaint more efficiently, or you can consult cybersecurity consulting companies in Pakistan. This may include:

Report Cybercrime Through FIA’s Online Portal

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) provides a convenient online portal for reporting cybercrimes from anywhere in Pakistan. Follow these steps to file a complaint:

• Go to the FIA Cyber Crime Complaint Portal: complaint.fia.gov.pk
• Click on “Lodge a Complaint.”
• Fill out the form with the following information:
  • Your full name, CNIC number, contact number and email address
  • A detailed account of the incident
  • Upload any supporting evidence such as screenshots, documents or other relevant files
• Submit the complaint form.

Once submitted, you will receive a Complaint Reference Number that you can use to track the status of your case.

Use the FIA Cybercrime Helpline

If you need immediate assistance or urgent support related to a cybercrime, you can contact the FIA Cybercrime Helpline by dialing 1991 which is available nationwide. The helpline staff can guide you through the process of filing your complaint online or direct you to the nearest Cybercrime Reporting Centre, making it a convenient option for individuals who are unsure about the reporting procedure or require quick help.

Visit Your Nearest Cybercrime Reporting Centre (If Needed)

If your cybercrime complaint involves sensitive issues or needs urgent attention, you can visit the nearest Cybercrime Reporting Centre in person. These centers are located in major cities across Pakistan including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan and Faisalabad. Visiting a center allows you to directly interact with FIA officials, submit your evidence and receive immediate assistance. For a complete list of centers along with their contact details, you can visit the FIA’s official website at fia.gov.pk.

Tips For Safe Online Behavior

To protect yourself from falling victim to cybercrime, follow these safety practices:

What Happens After Filing A Complaint?

Once your complaint is submitted, the FIA will:

Some cases may take time, depending on the severity and evidence provided. The FIA may also collaborate with social media platforms or financial institutions to resolve the matter. In addition here are some Tips to Secure Your Social Media Accounts and prevent them from cyber issues.

Conclusion

Cybercrime can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. In Pakistan, the FIA Cyber Crime Wing provides several accessible methods to report such crimes. In this thorough article, our Tashheer research team has compiled a step-by-step guide to reporting cybercrime online in Pakistan. Whether you choose the online portal, email, helpline or in-person visit, it is important to act quickly and provide as much detail as possible. Public awareness and timely reporting are essential to building a safer digital environment for everyone.