A Senate subcommittee reviewing the implementation of the National Counter Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act has been informed that 689 PECA cases have been registered across Pakistan, including dozens involving journalists, media workers, and social media activists.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Sarmad Ali, focused on the growing number of cybercrime-related cases and the transfer of investigative authority from the Federal Investigation Agency to the NCCIA under the revised legal framework.
Officials presented province-wise data showing that Lahore and Multan each recorded 129 PECA cases, while Faisalabad reported 127. Rawalpindi registered 72 cases, followed by significant numbers from Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Gujranwala.
Islamabad reported 10 cases, Quetta 14, and Gilgit one case, according to the briefing shared with the committee.
Cases Against Journalists Draw Attention
The committee was also informed that several journalists and media workers had been booked under PECA provisions in recent months.
Officials stated that Islamabad recorded nine cases against journalists, while Rawalpindi registered two and Karachi one. Overall, 41 cases involving journalists, media personnel, and social media activists have been registered nationwide, according to the NCCIA.
The disclosures triggered questions from lawmakers regarding freedom of expression and the increasing use of cybercrime legislation in cases involving journalists and digital commentators.
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Senator Waqar Mehdi questioned officials about which institutions currently possess the authority to register First Information Reports and conduct investigations under PECA after the recent administrative changes.
Officials responded that provincial police departments no longer have powers to independently register PECA-related FIRs under the revised structure.
FIA Powers Shifted to NCCIA
According to officials attending the meeting, investigative and enforcement authority under PECA has formally been shifted from the FIA to the NCCIA as part of efforts to establish a dedicated cybercrime enforcement body.
Punjab Police representatives informed the committee that they had received directives not to register PECA cases directly. Sindh Police officials similarly stated that 55 PECA-related cases had been registered during the past two years, but 25 of those cases had already been transferred to the NCCIA after the administrative transition.
The restructuring is part of the government’s broader effort to centralise cybercrime investigations and improve coordination in digital law enforcement.
Provinces Plan Dedicated Cybersecurity Units
The committee was also informed that both Punjab and Sindh are working on establishing specialised cybersecurity departments to strengthen their capacity to address cybercrime threats, online fraud, digital harassment, and data-related offences.
Officials said the proposed departments would support coordination with federal agencies while improving provincial technical capabilities in handling cyber investigations.
Legal experts and digital rights activists have previously expressed concerns over the implementation of PECA laws, arguing that vague provisions and broad investigative powers could affect press freedom and online expression if not applied carefully.
According to digital rights advocate Nighat Dad, Executive Director of the Digital Rights Foundation, speaking at a public discussion in Lahore on May 3, 2026, “Cybercrime laws should target genuine digital offences without creating fear among journalists and ordinary citizens expressing opinions online.”
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Meanwhile, Interior Ministry officials maintain that PECA remains necessary to combat online fraud, harassment, cyber extortion, and misinformation.
According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority data released in April 2026, internet penetration and social media usage continue to rise sharply across Pakistan, increasing pressure on institutions to strengthen cyber governance and digital enforcement systems.
The Senate committee is expected to continue reviewing the implementation framework of PECA and the operational structure of the NCCIA in upcoming meetings.
