The NCCIA cybercrime backlog has reached an alarming point, with nearly 50,000 pending cases, raising serious concerns about the agency’s capacity, oversight, and ability to protect citizens. This startling figure came to light during a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, prompting lawmakers to question how such a massive backlog developed in the first place.
A System Overwhelmed by Complaints
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in online fraud, blackmail, identity theft, extortion, and social media–based crimes. Yet the NCCIA cybercrime backlog continues to grow because the agency simply lacks the manpower to keep up.
The Director General revealed a shocking detail: one investigating officer in Lahore has 915 inquiries assigned to him. This level of burden makes effective investigation nearly impossible. The NCCIA requested extra staff from the FIA, but the shortage has already caused long delays, missed leads, and a decline in public trust.
Lawmakers expressed strong concern, stating that if the country’s primary cybercrime unit is so overwhelmed, ordinary victims are left without protection while cybercriminals continue to operate freely.
Cyber Fraud Against Parliamentarians Signals A Bigger Threat
A particularly worrying aspect of the NCCIA cybercrime backlog is the rise in cases targeting high-profile officials, including parliamentarians. If elected representatives with influence and resources cannot escape cyber fraud, then everyday citizens are even more vulnerable.
Officials confirmed that arrests have been made in the case involving Senator Falak Naz Chitrali. Meanwhile, Senator Palwasha Khan reported extortion attempts using the name of her colleague, Mehdi Shah. These incidents underscore a major flaw in cyber protection systems: criminals are bold enough to target political leaders, knowing the system is too slow to respond.
This increasing trend proves that cybercrime has become more sophisticated—and more dangerous—than ever before.
Internal Corruption Adds Another Layer of Complications
One of the most troubling revelations in the briefing was that 21 NCCIA officials are themselves facing FIRs in corruption-related cases. This revelation raises serious questions about accountability within the agency.
In a country already struggling with cybercrime, corruption within the investigative body not only deepens public mistrust but also contributes directly to the expanding NCCIA cybercrime backlog.
Lawmakers demanded that internal misconduct be investigated with the same seriousness applied to public cases. Senator Saifullah Abro even pushed for a separate subcommittee to examine corruption inside the organization, arguing that agencies responsible for exposing crime must also remain transparent and accountable.
Financial Recoveries and Arrests Provide Some Relief
Despite the challenges, the agency has had some notable successes. In one fraud investigation, eight suspects were arrested, and Rs 45 million was recovered. These outcomes show that the NCCIA can deliver results—when resources and focus are properly allocated.
However, these victories are overshadowed by the overwhelming number of unresolved cases. Without significant reforms, such achievements will remain rare exceptions in a system struggling to cope.
Unresolved Murder Investigations Reflect Broader Delays
The NCCIA cybercrime backlog is not the agency’s only problem. In a separate update, the Additional IG Sindh briefed the Senate about the unresolved murder case of Senator Muhammad Aslam’s brother and nephew.
Authorities have:
- Deployed police teams in Quetta
- Seized properties linked to suspects
- Blocked identity cards
- Frozen 12 bank accounts
However, investigators have so far received only two mobile CDRs, slowing down progress. Senators emphasized the urgent need to expedite pending inquiry reports, further highlighting inefficiencies within the investigative framework.
Why the NCCIA Cybercrime Backlog Is a National Emergency
Cybercrime affects every sector—banking, politics, education, e-commerce, and personal security. When 50,000 cases remain unresolved, it signals a breakdown in digital safety.
Key concerns include:
- Delayed justice leading to more victims
- Increasing sophistication of cybercriminals
- Widespread misuse of citizens’ data
- Erosion of trust in law enforcement
- Psychological impact on victims
If parliamentarians can be blackmailed and extorted, ordinary citizens stand almost no chance without a responsive and well-equipped agency.
The Way Forward: Reforms Needed Now
To reduce the NCCIA cybercrime backlog, several urgent reforms are necessary:
- Hiring additional trained investigators
- Introducing modern digital forensics tools
- Establishing independent oversight committees
- Improving internal accountability and eliminating corruption
- Providing faster coordination between NCCIA, FIA, and telecom operators
- Ensuring timely access to digital records and CDRs
Only a combination of manpower, technology, and transparency can restore the agency’s efficiency.
The NCCIA cybercrime backlog is more than an administrative issue—it is a national security threat. With cybercriminals becoming more aggressive and bold, Pakistan must strengthen its investigative institutions before the situation worsens further.
Empowering the NCCIA with better resources, stronger internal checks, and modern investigative tools is the only way to ensure safety for both public officials and everyday citizens.
