FIA DG calls for stricter cybercrime laws

In the on-going year over 70,000 complaints have been registered, says FIA DG

HYDRABAD:

There is a need to give teeth to Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act as only 26 people have been convicted so far under the law.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Dr Sanaullah Abbassi has said with the rapid increase in the use of the cyber space, the cybercrimes are also on the rise.

Addressing 'international multi topic conference' at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) in Jamshoro district on Wednesday, the director general apprised that the FIA received around 100,000 complaints of cyber offences in 2020.

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In the on-going year over 70,000 complaints have been registered so far, he added. He acknowledged the need for amendment in the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act which is a new law pointing out that the conviction rate has so far been low with only 26 accused persons receiving judicial punishment.

MUET Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam Uqaili said a laboratory will be established on the campus which will coordinate with the FIA's cybercrime wing.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2021.