Cybercrimes have become frequent in Pakistan as well. Whether you’re someone who just goes online to scroll Instagram, or you’re in school doing assignments on your computer, or maybe your parents run a small business using their phones and laptops, anyone can be affected. These online criminals don’t always show up with loud alarms or warnings. Sometimes, it’s just a weird message from a fake account, or an email that looks like it’s from your bank. Other times, it’s someone pretending to offer you a job, only to trick you into giving up personal info. However, this situation is not helpless. There are real steps you can take to empower yourself against cybercriminals.
In this Article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about cybercrime in Pakistan including how to stay safe on the world of Internet, how to report cybercrimes effectively, and leverage support from government agencies by using the FIA cybercrime helpline and cybersecurity companies like Apprise Cyber. The content below aims to simplify the process and provide a practical, step-by-step guide to help individuals and businesses secure their digital lives.
What Is Cyber Crime in Pakistan?
Cybercrime in Pakistan refers to any kind of illegal activity that takes place using a mobile phone, computer, or the internet. According to Cyber Crime Pakistan, these cyber crimes range from social media harassment and blackmail to financial fraud and hacking. In Addition, the purpose of these attacks is to steal your data, cause emotional or financial damage, or manipulate people into giving away money.
To counteract these modern-day crimes in Pakistan, the main body responsible for investigating cybercrime is the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, also known as NR3C. It is part of the Federal Investigation Agency, and it handles everything from social media abuse to large-scale data breaches.
Common Types of Cyber Crimes You May Encounter in Pakistan [2025]
- Harassment and blackmail over social media, often using private photos or chat screenshots
- Online job scams or “investment” schemes that promise huge returns but leave you broke
- Fake websites and email links that look official but are anything but
- Forged CNICs and stolen identity used to open accounts or make transactions
- Hacking of private emails, online store dashboards, or company software
- Financial fraud through mobile wallets like JazzCash or Easypaisa
- Data leaks and extortion threats from shady loan apps
What’s important to understand is this: these attacks don’t just affect strangers or big corporations. They hit regular people: students, teachers, shopkeepers, freelancers. And they carry consequences. Under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, the law does exist to punish perpetrators. But you need to know how to use it.
Cybercrime Complaint Setup and Support Channels in Pakistan
- A nationwide cybercrime helpline
- An official online complaint portal
- Physical offices in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta
- Digital tracking tools to check the status of your complaint
- In more sensitive or high-stakes cases, another agency called the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) may step in to support investigations. They are newer and still growing, but their role is expanding fast.
How to File an FIA Cyber Crime Complaint (Complete Guide)
If you’re a victim, or even if you’re unsure but something feels off, don’t wait. It’s better to file a complaint early than regret it later. Here’s how to go about it:
This is the fastest route for most people.
- Visit the official portal: https://complaint.fia.gov.pk
- Fill in the online form. It asks for basic information and a detailed description.
- Upload screenshots, chat logs, links, basically anything that proves your case.
- Enter your contact number and CNIC details.
- Once done, submit it and save your complaint number. You’ll need this to track progress later.
Don’t rush it. Take a moment to collect all your evidence neatly before hitting “submit.” A well-documented report is more likely to be taken seriously and processed faster.
If the portal is down, and yes, sometimes it really is frustratingly slow or unavailable, you can send your complaint through email instead. Use: [email protected]
Information You Should Include in Your FIA Cyber Crime Online Complaint
- Your full name and CNIC number
- The city you live in, because jurisdiction matters
- Your phone number and active email
- A simple explanation of what happened
- All relevant files, including screenshots, links, or voice notes if needed
This method is especially helpful if you’re in an area with spotty internet or if you’re more comfortable writing things out in detail.
In emergencies like someone leaking your private photos or blackmailing you, it is best to go straight to an FIA office.
Steps to Submit Your Cybercrime Complaint in Person
- Write your complaint (typed or handwritten)
- Bring your original CNIC and any proof of the incident
- When you submit the complaint, ask for your tracking number. It is important for follow-up.
- If you’re near Islamabad or Rawalpindi, you can just search “FIA complaint office near me” and head there. Don’t wait too long, especially if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsafe.
What Is the FIA Cyber Crime Helpline?
The helpline is more like a guidepost than a full solution. You cannot file your complaint over the phone, but you can call for help and ask questions. If you’re confused, unsure, or just nervous, this line can help calm you down and guide you through the process.- 1991: This is the national helpline
- 051-111-345-786: An alternate number you can also try
Is There a Cyber Crime WhatsApp Number?
There is no official FIA WhatsApp number. A lot of people look for in an Emergency on Google Search Box :- FIA complaint WhatsApp number
- Cyber crime Pakistan WhatsApp reporting
FIA Cybercrime Helpline & Regional Office Contact Details
| City | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad | National Police Foundation Building, 2nd Floor, Sector G‑10/4 | +92 51 9262106‑8 |
| Lahore | H‑8, G‑Block, Main Boulevard Gulberg II | +92 42 99268527 |
| Karachi | Near Darul Sehat Hospital, Gulistan‑e‑Johar | +92 21 99333950 |
| Peshawar | Lavargini Flats, Abdara Road | +92 91 9216251 |
| Rawalpindi | House No. 162/2, Punj Sarrki, Near Shell Petrol Pump, Adam Jee Road, Sadar | +92 51 9330719 |
| Quetta | Bungalow No. 105, Tajikabad, Adjacent to Spirit School, Main Killi Shabo Road | +92 81 9330001 |
| Multan | H‑06, Street‑3, Shalimar Town, Bosan Town | +92 61 9330999 |
| Faisalabad | Zia Town, Street No 2, East Canal Road, Near Kashmir Pul | +92 41 9330865 |
| Sukkur | House No A‑126, Sindh Housing Society, Near NADRA Office, Airport Road | +92 71 9310849 |
| Abbottabad | House No 62, Near Bilal Masjid, Bilal Town, PMA Road | +92 992 921588 |
| Hyderabad | Plot A‑100, SITE Area, Near Custom House | +92 22 9250010 |
How Long Does FIA Take to Process a Complaint?
The truth? It really totally depends crime to crime. If your submitted FIA cyber crime complaint is clear, accurate, and supported with solid evidence, it will probably move along faster. But if it’s vague, missing files, or more emotional than factual, it might sit in a backlog for weeks. Here’s a general idea of what to expect from FIA as a cyber crime victim:- Complaint Review: 7 to 14 business days
- Investigation Begins: Within 1 to 3 months
- Legal Action: Depends on case details
What Kinds of Cybercrime Can You Report through FIA cyber crime helpline?
According to Cybercrime Investigators in Pakistan, below are the kinds of cases you can report via FIA cyber crime online complaint, whether or not you have a lawyer:
- Online harassment or defamation
- Job or investment fraud through shady websites or links
- Ransom demands sent through WhatsApp or sketchy loan apps
- Fake accounts using your photo, CNIC, or name
- Phishing attempts through email, messages, or scam links
- Hacking of email accounts, business dashboards, or entire websites
- Hate speech or extremist content online
- Malware and viruses sent through suspicious apps or files
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a FIA Complaint
It is crystal clear that if you want your case to be taken seriously, you must be avoid below common mistakes when filing a FIA complaint.
- Do not over-emphasize or be dishonest.
- Provide not blurry, cropped and incomplete screenshots.
- Be concise and exhaustive.
- Third party agents will promise to be able to fast track your case. Do not believe them at any cost.
- Never give your FIA complaint number to someone or share it on social media.
How to Guard Yourself Against Cybercrime in Pakistan
You don’t need to be a tech genius to stay safe online but you do need to build smart habits. Cybercriminals are clever, yes, but most of the time, it’s small mistakes that give them a way in. So here’s how to protect yourself, one step at a time:
- Always use strong and unique passwords.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, especially on your banking apps, email, and social media accounts. It’s an extra layer of safety, like a second lock on your door.
- Keep your devices updated. Plus, make sure you run antivirus scans once a week, even if nothing seems wrong.
- Think before you click. Got a weird link in a WhatsApp message? Or an unexpected SMS from a bank you don’t use? Don’t touch it. Just… don’t.
- Verify who you’re talking to. Always. Whether it’s an online buyer, seller, or someone claiming to be from a company, take a minute to double-check. It’s okay to pause and ask questions.
- Never share pictures of your CNIC or OTPs with strangers. Even if they seem polite or say it’s “just for verification.” It’s a common trap.
Let the people around you know about the cybercrime helpline. A lot of victims are just unaware. Help your friends, your siblings, even your parents stay in the loop.
What if the government’s help isn’t enough for business sectors in Pakistan?
To be honest, handling cybercrime in Pakistan is not an easy task for a single government organization. On this point, private cybersecurity companies come into action and support victim businesses to correct their digital defense posture.
So here’s the truth: the FIA cybercrime complaint system exists, and it can help. But let’s be real, it’s often slow. Forms, follow-ups, delays.
Apprise Cyber is one of the leading cybersecurity companies supporting business sectors of Pakistan by providing professional cybersecurity services.
Who Is Apprise Cyber?
We’re not just a company; we’re a group of professionals who’ve seen how damaging cybercrime can be, especially when no one knows where to turn. We work with startups, hospitals, online stores, schools, even government departments. Our job? To stop the attack before it ever reaches you. And if something already happened, we’re here to guide you out of the mess.
Because prevention isn’t just cheaper, it’s safer. If you could avoid the stress, the damage, and the paperwork… wouldn’t you?
What Can Apprise Cyber Do for Your Business?
Here’s how we help people and companies stay ahead of cyber threats:
- Vulnerability & Penetration Testing
We dig deep into your apps, websites, or networks to find weak spots before hackers do. - Compromise Assessment
Not sure if someone’s already snooping around your system? We can tell. - Malware & Spyware Analysis
We hunt down those sneaky viruses hiding in your phone or computer. - 24/7 Monitoring Services
Like digital bodyguards, always watching your system and ready to stop anything weird. - Training for Your Team
We teach your employees how not to fall for scams and phishing tricks. - Risk Checks & Security Reviews
We tell you what could go wrong and how to fix it before it does. - Cybersecurity Compliance Help
Need to follow big international rules like GDPR or ISO 27001? We’ve got you. - Digital Forensics & Legal Reports
If you’ve already been hacked, we can trace the breach and help you report it properly to the FIA.
Protect. Report. Partner.
The internet has become everything: our shopping mall, our friend circle, our classroom, our office. Therefore, to stay safe, make sure you don’t only take your online safety seriously but also know how to lodge a complaint if you ever fall victim to cybercrime. Ultimately, you can always reach out to Apprise Cyber to help you with your digital security.
