Fake profiles, online harassment, blackmail with private photos and online fraud are now among the most common legal problems in Pakistan. This guide explains how to file a cybercrime complaint in Pakistan, what evidence to collect, what happens after you complain, and what to do if a complaint has been made against you.
Which law covers cybercrime in Pakistan?
Cybercrime is governed by the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA). Complaints were investigated for years by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing. Under the 2025 amendments to PECA, this work moved to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Many people and even officials still call it “FIA cybercrime”.
Common cybercrimes you can report
| What happened | Examples |
|---|---|
| Online harassment | Threatening or abusive messages, stalking on social media |
| Fake accounts and impersonation | A fake profile using your name or photos |
| Blackmail with private content | Threats to share private photos or videos |
| Online fraud | Fake sellers, investment scams, account takeover, phishing |
| Hacking | Someone accessing your email, WhatsApp or social media without permission |
For money lost to scams, also read how to report online fraud in Pakistan.
How to file a cybercrime complaint: step by step
- Save the evidence first. Take screenshots showing the date, time and the profile link or number. Do not delete chats or block the person until everything is saved.
- Write down what happened. Note dates, accounts involved and any money transferred.
- File the complaint online or at a cybercrime office, with your CNIC, the evidence and a short written statement.
- Keep the reference number and copies of everything you submit.
- Follow up. The agency may call you to verify the complaint, record your statement and ask for the original device or files.
- Inquiry and case. If the complaint is found genuine, an inquiry can turn into a registered case against the accused.
If you lost money to online fraud
- Call your bank or wallet provider immediately and ask them to block the transaction and the recipient account.
- Get a written record of your call or complaint to the bank.
- Include the transaction IDs and bank statements with your cybercrime complaint.
If a complaint has been filed against you
Being named in a cybercrime complaint is serious, but it does not mean you are guilty. Some PECA offences allow bail as a right and others do not, so the right step depends on the section involved.
- Do not ignore a notice to appear. Take a lawyer with you.
- Do not delete accounts or data after receiving a notice; it can be treated as hiding evidence.
- If there is a risk of arrest, your lawyer can apply for pre-arrest bail in the court. Our guide on your legal rights if you are arrested explains what to expect.
- If the complaint is false, your lawyer can challenge the inquiry or case in court.
How long does a cybercrime complaint take?
There is no fixed time. Simple complaints with clear evidence can move quickly, while cases that need data from social media companies, banks or telecom operators take longer. Following up regularly and giving complete evidence at the start makes the biggest difference.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying a blackmailer. Paying usually leads to more demands. Save the evidence and report it.
- Deleting chats or blocking too early. You may lose the evidence the investigator needs.
- Hacking back or posting threats yourself. This can make you liable under the same law.
- Sharing the private content further, even to prove what happened. Give it only to the investigator or your lawyer.
- Waiting too long. Accounts get deleted and records are harder to trace as time passes.
Cybercrime complaints for overseas Pakistanis
Many victims live abroad, for example when a fake profile in Pakistan targets someone in the UK or the Gulf. You can file online from abroad, and a lawyer in Pakistan can follow up for you under a special power of attorney. See our legal services for overseas Pakistanis.
Get help with a cybercrime case
We help victims prepare and follow up cybercrime complaints, and we represent people named in complaints, including bail. We handle cases in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and other cities. See our digital evidence and cybercrime services.
Frequently asked questions
Is FIA still handling cybercrime complaints in Pakistan?
Cybercrime was handled by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing for years. Under the 2025 amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, this work moved to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Many people still say “FIA cybercrime” for the same process.
Can I file a cybercrime complaint online?
Yes. Complaints can be filed online or in person at a cybercrime office. Keep a copy of your complaint and its reference number so you can follow it up.
What evidence do I need for a cybercrime complaint?
Screenshots that show the date, time and profile link or phone number, the original messages or files, transaction receipts for fraud cases, and your CNIC. Do not delete the chats or block the person until you have saved everything.
I received a notice from the cybercrime agency. What should I do?
Do not ignore it. Talk to a lawyer before you appear, take copies of every document you submit, and if there is a risk of arrest, ask your lawyer about pre-arrest bail.
Can overseas Pakistanis file a cybercrime complaint?
Yes. Online complaints can be filed from abroad, and a lawyer in Pakistan can follow up for you under a special power of attorney if you cannot appear in person.
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