The federal government has formed a multi-agency task force to take action against illegal call centers involved in online fraud across Pakistan.
In a written reply submitted to the Senate of Pakistan, Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi said the task force has been created to improve coordination and enforcement against unlawful digital and telecom activities.
According to the reply, the task force includes representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB). It has been tasked with developing a mechanism for real-time information sharing among relevant institutions.
The minister told the Senate that the main objectives of the task force are to improve compliance with existing regulatory frameworks, strengthen enforcement against illegal digital and telecom operations, and raise awareness among stakeholders about regulatory requirements and best practices.
Providing details of enforcement actions, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi said authorities have identified 54 illegal call centers and software houses across the country. These operations involved 268 Pakistani nationals and 269 foreign nationals. Of them, 213 Pakistanis and 269 foreigners have been arrested. A total of 63 FIRs have also been registered in these cases.
The written reply added that Rs. 62.27 million has been recovered from illegal call centers so far. It stated that total recoveries from January 1, 2025 to date have reached Rs. 1,405.471605 million, reflecting continued action by law enforcement agencies, including the FIA, against online fraud networks.