Our Correspondent
Karachi: A meeting chaired by Inspector General of Police Sindh Javed Alam Odho reviewed proposals regarding the establishment of a Provincial Cyber Security and Crime Investigation Department.
Additional IG of CTD and Special Branch, DIG Crime & Investigations, Headquarters and CTD, SSP of CTD and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.
During the meeting, SSP CTD gave a detailed briefing on the proposed provincial cybercrime unit, outlining its proposed name, objectives, scope of operations and institutional structure. The briefing highlighted the growing trends of online religious and sectarian incitement, white-collar crime, digital fraud, financial scams, online harassment and other cyber offences, as well as the financial and social losses caused by such activities.
The meeting was informed that complaints related to cybercrime are steadily increasing across the country. However, due to limited capacity for legal action and investigation, citizens often face difficulties in obtaining timely justice.
In this context, the meeting noted that under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, granting Sindh Police the authority to take action and conduct investigations against cyber offences has become increasingly necessary. It was proposed that a structured and specialised institution be established at the provincial and district levels to effectively address cybercrime.
The meeting was further informed that with the rapid expansion of digitalisation, criminal methods have undergone significant changes. Extortion, narcotics trade, financial fraud and other organised crimes are increasingly being carried out through online platforms. To effectively apprehend individuals involved in such offences in accordance with the law, the establishment of a well-organised and technologically advanced cybercrime unit at the provincial level is considered essential.
Among the proposals discussed was the suggestion that cybercrime cases should be allowed to be registered at police stations so that citizens can receive prompt legal assistance at the local level. The proposals also include the recruitment of experts and professional staff with specialised skills in information technology, cybersecurity, digital forensics and artificial intelligence to ensure effective investigation of cybercrime cases.
The proposed unit will operate under the Sindh Police Crime and Investigation Department and will play an important role in investigating cyber-related cases, preserving digital evidence and preventing crimes through modern investigative techniques.
IG Sindh directed that comprehensive proposals regarding the establishment of the Cyber Security and Crime Investigation Department be finalised and forwarded to the Government of Sindh for approval at the earliest.
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