Record 142,000 Cybercrime Complaints Registered Nationwide
Pakistan witnessed a significant surge in cybercrime cases in 2025, with citizens filing 142,272 complaints related to digital offenses. The startling figures were revealed in official data presented to Parliament by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, highlighting growing cybersecurity challenges across the country. The massive volume of complaints underscores the urgent need for stronger digital protection measures and more effective law enforcement mechanisms.
Investigation and Conviction Rates Reveal Enforcement Challenges
Authorities launched 26,036 regular inquiries into reported cybercrimes, with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCIA) registering 1,955 formal cases. Despite these efforts, conviction rates remained low, with courts delivering verdicts in only 153 cases—31 convictions and 122 acquittals. This disparity highlights the difficulties in securing convictions in cybercrime cases, often due to evidentiary challenges, technical complexities, and legal loopholes.
Five-Year Data Shows Growing Backlog of Cybercrime Cases
A deeper analysis of cybercrime trends over the past five years reveals a concerning pattern:
- 98,206 inquiries were registered in total
- 53,717 cases were resolved
- 51,696 cases remain pending investigation
Additionally, law enforcement agencies filed 7,690 FIRs, of which 3,505 have been disposed of, while 4,185 are still under investigation. The growing backlog indicates an urgent need for more cybercrime specialists, faster judicial processes, and improved digital forensics capabilities.
Government Faces Pressure to Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures
The sharp increase in cybercrime complaints has intensified calls for stronger cybersecurity laws, better public awareness campaigns, and enhanced investigative resources. Experts warn that without significant reforms, Pakistan’s digital space could become increasingly vulnerable to financial fraud, data breaches, and online harassment.
