Licenses to Become Mandatory for Call Centers Amid Rising Fraud Cases

In response to a surge in digital financial fraud cases across Pakistan, authorities have decided to bring all call centers operating in the country under a formal legal framework.

According to official sources, obtaining a license will soon become mandatory for establishing and running a call center. This licensing process will be overseen and jointly approved by three federal entities: the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and a designated intelligence agency.

The decision comes as an effort to crack down on organized digital scams. The NCCIA has reportedly resolved to expand its ongoing campaign, Operation Grey, to a national scale, targeting unlicensed and suspicious call centers operating in various provinces.

Sources reveal that the goal of Operation Grey is to dismantle networks engaged in fraudulent schemes, particularly those exploiting fake investment or prize schemes to dupe unsuspecting citizens. This initiative is also tied to broader efforts to modernize Pakistan’s cybercrime response infrastructure.

Law enforcement actions have already taken place in multiple cities, where several illegal call centers have been raided and sealed. Interestingly, a number of foreign nationals from a “friendly neighboring country” have been found to be involved in these operations, according to investigative findings.

Despite the crackdown, some of these call centers have managed to resume operations by securing restraining orders or favorable verdicts from courts. Authorities remain determined to push forward with legal reforms and technological upgrades to curb the growing menace of cyber fraud.