KARACHI: Additional Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Karachi Zone Muhammad Tariq Nawaz said nearly 40 per cent of cybercrime cases involve financial fraud and stressed the need for stronger institutional coordination and greater public awareness to tackle the growing threat.
He made the remarks during a visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) on Wednesday, where he addressed members of the business community.The event was attended by KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, Vice President Muhammad Talha Ali, Standing Committee Chairman Danish Khan, former President Farhanur Rehman, NCCIA Deputy Director Arsalan Manzoor and other members.
Speaking on the occasion, Nawaz said cybercrime reporting centres have been established across Pakistan and that their network are being expanded to improve accessibility and response times. He added that a proposal has been submitted to the government for the establishment of a national cyber fraud management centre to facilitate the timely sharing of information about fraud victims with relevant institutions.
He also announced that the NCCIA and KATI will work together to develop a joint mechanism and platform through which industrialists and business owners could register complaints and seek guidance on cyber-related incidents.
Highlighting the sophistication of cybercrime networks, Nawaz said such offences are often carried out by organised groups that gain access to sensitive information and exploit it to deceive citizens. He stressed that preventing information leaks and restricting unauthorised access to personal and financial data are essential to controlling cybercrime.
He said the NCCIA is actively raising public awareness through multiple communication channels and providing practical guidance on safeguarding sensitive information and avoiding online fraud.
“Citizens also have a responsibility to remain vigilant and not fall victim to fraudulent tactics,” he said, adding that criminal elements continue to develop new methods of deception as technology evolves.
Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said the world is rapidly moving towards a digital economy and that Pakistan’s industrial, commercial, banking, export, e-commerce and supply chain sectors are becoming increasingly dependent on digital systems.
He noted that while digital transformation has created new business opportunities, it has also increased exposure to cyber fraud, data theft, ransomware attacks, fake websites, phishing schemes, financial scams and identity theft.
Rajput said cyber security is no longer merely an IT concern but has become critical to business continuity, investment protection, export credibility and economic stability. He proposed the appointment of a focal person between KATI and the NCCIA, noting that many businesses still lacked a clear understanding of the agency’s role and services. He also called for more proactive awareness initiatives for the business community.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya said cybercrime has grown alongside increasing digital engagement. He described public awareness as the most effective tool for preventing online fraud and stressed the importance of educating businesses about the NCCIA’s jurisdiction and the types of fraud cases that should be reported immediately.
Standing Committee Chairman Danish Khan said cybercrime is becoming increasingly organised, with criminal groups often possessing extensive customer data that enabled them to target victims more effectively. He added that closer collaboration between KATI and the NCCIA will strengthen trust within the business community and support efforts to curb cyber-enabled crime.
