FIA Informs of Issues in Obtaining Cybercrime Data from the US

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is facing hardship in obtaining cyber-criminal related data from the US government as the federal government is yet to sign a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) as well as the cyber crimes clause of Buddha convention.

Director Cyber Crimes Wing FIA informed the Senate Standing committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication that contrary to India and most of the Middle Eastern countries, Pakistan has no access to cybercrime data due to the lack of MLAT with the US – where the data resides – obstructing the authorities’ efforts to curb cybercrimes. The committee met with Rubina Khalid in the chair on Thursday.

Unlike Pakistan, countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Indonesia and Malaysia have entered into agreements with the US. Even India has signed an MLAT with the US and because of this, New Delhi is able to get access to objectionable content within 24 hours.

Pakistan needs to sign a MLAT with the US to remove objectionable content and gain access to cybercrime data, the committee recommended. FIA is also facing difficulties in getting social media apps’ (OTT) data.

Content blocking is the mandate of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) while FIA can only investigate such matters. The Agency is also facing financial constraints in procuring latest equipment and gadgets to eliminate the menace of cybercrime more effectively, the official added.

The committee expressed serious concerns over the rising number of cybercrimes in the country and observed that with each passing day and more technological advancement, the challenge is going to become more complicated.

The committee was informed about the number of complaints registered after the enactment of PECA-2016;

  • Total numbers of complaints registered are 42,447,
  • Enquiries registered are 9625,
  • Complaints disposed off stand at 16,689,
  • Pending complaints are 16,163,
  • FIRs registered 936,
  • Accused arrested 904 and 66 convictions.

The fine imposed by the courts is Rs 10.694 million. However, FIA admitted that the ratio of cybercrimes in Pakistan is increasing day by day.

The FIA official informed the committee that due to the increasing trend of cybercrimes in Pakistan, FIA Cyber Clime Unit (NR3C) has increased the number of cybercrime reporting centers from 5 to 15. The strength of cyber investigators at cyber crime reporting centers is to be increased to meet the growing challenges and volume of cyber complaints in Pakistan.

All the cybercrime reporting centers are to be equipped with state-of-art digital forensic capabilities, which will enable to conduct forensic analysis of laptops, computers, mobile, iPad, etc.

The committee directed FIA, Ignite, PTA and Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for strong coordination to overcome cybercrimes as well the increasing trend of child pornography, kidnapping, rape and murder.



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