During the National Assembly’s question hour session on Tuesday, lawmakers were presented with detailed information highlighting a significant increase in cybercrime complaints alongside a substantial number of Pakistani nationals deported from Gulf countries over the last several years.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) disclosed that since the beginning of 2023, it has received a staggering total of 531,026 complaints related to cybercrime. Over the past four years, the agency has actively pursued 80,226 investigations and formally registered 5,755 cases. This surge reflects the growing challenges posed by digital offenses in Pakistan.
Further insights from the NCCIA revealed that law enforcement efforts have led to the arrest of 7,600 individuals suspected of cyber offenses, with charges officially framed against 199 persons. Meanwhile, 877 accused individuals were acquitted during the same timeframe, indicating ongoing judicial processes and the complexity of cybercrime litigation.
In a related briefing, the Ministry of Interior provided the Assembly with data on the deportation of Pakistani citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the past five years. A total of 164,788 Pakistanis were deported during this period, with Saudi Arabia accounting for the majority at 108,029 cases. The United Arab Emirates followed with 40,497 deportations, while Oman reported 9,814, Qatar 2,971, Bahrain 2,779, and Kuwait 698 deportations.
These figures underscore the ongoing migration and labor challenges faced by Pakistani expatriates in the Gulf region, as well as the increasing need for enhanced cybercrime prevention and enforcement mechanisms within the country.
