Tech Desk 
Oct 24, 2024
In an unfortunate development, the government of Pakistan on Wednesday dismissed the rules of the National Cyber Crime & Investigation Authority (NCCIA).
While reports being circulated claimed that NCCIA's rules were approved and rejected by the federal cabinet and interior ministry, respectively, the regulatory authority was established to investigate cybercrime, potential data breaches as well as matters involving the use of internet.
While uncertainty is looming over the functionality of NCCIA in the future, a senior interior ministry official who is privy to the matter confirmed that the NCCIA rules have been repealed. However, it remains to be seen if the government would go ahead with the dissolution of the regulatory body or is drafting new rules for it.
It was also reported that the the federal cabinet had approved these rules through proper circulation, with the regulations aimed at dealing strictly with those disseminating maligning information, committing online harassment cybercrimes, with some rules proposing imprisonment of five to 10 years for convicted individuals.
Formed earlier this year in May, NCCIA was said to become functional and replace the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) which was given a year to operate until the NCCIA starts operating in a full-fledged manner.
“The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication U.O. No.3-8/2023-Legal dated 24th April, 2024 on the subject cited above and to enclose a copy of Cabinet Division O.M. No.5/5/2024-Progress-II dated 17th October, 2024, along with its enclosure. Federal Cabinet has ratified the decision of the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) made in its meeting held on 25-09-2024, against Case No. CCLC-72/15/2024 dated 25-09-2024 regarding repeal of NCCIA Rules, 2024," stated a notification issued by the interior ministry.
“In view of above, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is requested for issuance of gazette notification in respect of repeal of NCCIA Rules, 2024,” the notification added.
Previously, Tarar stressed on the need to put an end to all sorts of harassment and urged the government to institute a relevant authority to oversee such issues while highlighting the dearth of laws to protect digital rights.
