The Pakistani government has reinstated the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing’s authority to investigate and prosecute crimes committed on social media platforms. The Ministry of Information Technology (IT) confirmed the decision through a formal notification.

The notification clarifies that the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing’s previously suspended powers have been restored, granting it the jurisdiction to handle social media-related offenses.

This decision follows the revocation of similar powers previously granted to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for tackling social media crimes and the spread of misinformation.

The IT Ministry had initially issued a notification establishing the NCCIA under specific laws; however, objections from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Law led to the withdrawal of these powers.

The NCCIA will now be established through a parliamentary act, which will define its mandate and powers.

The government’s aim is to strengthen the enforcement of laws against digital crimes and address the growing issue of misinformation on social media platforms. The reinstatement of the FIA’s authority represents a significant step in this effort.