Caretaker Federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) Dr. Umar Saif on Wednesday said that the federal cabinet has also approved the establishment of the National Cybercrime Investigation Authority (NCIA).
Speaking at a press conference alongside the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi and the Caretaker Federal Minister for Health, he explained that this agency is dedicated to investigating cybercrime, taking over the mandate that was previously with the FIA.
The gradual transition of cybercrime investigation responsibilities from the FIA to the NCIA is planned, he added.
He said the federal cabinet approved the establishment of a Telecom Tribunal to handle cases and disputes related to telecom.
The tribunal, he said, will have specialized individuals with knowledge of information, telecom, and policy.
Over the years, journalists and human rights organisations have lambasted successive Pakistani administrations, charging them of silencing the press and political rivals by using the FIA to repress free expression and dissent on social media.
The Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill 2023 was approved by the Pakistani Senate on August 6, following the removal by the previous administration of a provision granting spy agencies the authority to conduct raids and make arrests without a warrant.
Pakistan mulls amending Electronic Crimes Act law to counter fake news, propaganda
