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By Tanveer Ahmed :
Lawmakers demand answers as citizens face delays in cybercrime complaints and online harassment cases
Pakistan’s Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has expressed serious concerns over delays in resolving cybercrime complaints and technical problems affecting the online complaint portal of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
The concerns were raised during a committee meeting chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, where lawmakers reviewed the NCCIA’s performance, complaint processing system, procedures for handling blasphemy-related cases and progress in the murder investigation of Lahore resident Ahmed Javed.
During the meeting, Senator Quratulain Marri highlighted the challenges faced by citizens dealing with online harassment. She told the committee that a prolonged social media campaign had been launched against her and her family, but no effective action had been taken despite a formal complaint being submitted through her legal representatives.
Lawmakers question delays in cybercrime response
NCCIA officials informed the committee that technical and operational difficulties had affected the functioning of the online complaint system.
Officials said citizens could also submit written complaints through authorised legal representatives while improvements to the online portal were being carried out. They added that requests for blocking or restricting objectionable online content were generally processed within 15 days.
However, committee members expressed dissatisfaction over the explanation.
Senator Zehri questioned whether citizens should be left without protection because of technical problems, asking why complainants should suffer due to system failures.
Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan also supported the concerns, stressing the need for a more effective mechanism to address cybercrime complaints.
Following the discussion, the committee decided to summon the NCCIA director general during its meeting scheduled for 17 July. The official will provide a detailed briefing on the status of the online complaint portal, delays in processing cases, enforcement timelines, response procedures and steps being taken to improve the agency’s performance.
Review of blasphemy-related cases
The committee also examined the government’s approach towards cases involving alleged blasphemous content.
Punjab’s home secretary briefed lawmakers on the measures being taken, stating that a special committee established to review such cases had already held two meetings.
The secretary said an inter-agency coordination system had been developed to improve cooperation between relevant departments, strengthen investigations and streamline prosecution processes.
The committee was also informed that online content related to alleged blasphemy was being monitored through a dedicated monitoring centre. Reports considered actionable were forwarded to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for further action.
Committee seeks clarity on legal procedures
Senator Zehri called for a detailed briefing on the revised procedures for registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) in blasphemy-related cases.
The committee said clear procedures and stronger coordination between institutions were necessary to ensure that legal processes were followed while protecting citizens’ rights.
The meeting comes amid growing public debate over Pakistan’s cybercrime enforcement system, with lawmakers demanding faster complaint resolution, improved digital infrastructure and greater accountability from institutions responsible for protecting citizens online.
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