In a significant step to curb online offenses, the government has decided to bring cyber crimes under the ambit of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).
According to an official notification, the powers of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have been expanded, authorizing it to take action against cyber terrorism, electronic fraud, child pornography, online grooming, and misuse of identity data.
Officials confirmed that spreading false or misleading information on social media will now be punishable under the AMLA. Any income generated through disinformation campaigns, fake news, or misleading digital content will also be investigated as money laundering.
The NCCIA will further investigate cases involving unauthorized SIM issuance, child exploitation, abduction, human smuggling, and trafficking where misuse of information systems is detected.
An Interior Ministry spokesperson stated that the amendments aim to strengthen Pakistan’s legal framework to effectively combat cyber crimes, ensure digital safety, and provide timely protection against misuse of online platforms.
