The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) provided a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Wednesday regarding the actions taken to resolve the allegations of cybercrime.
The panel was given an update by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on the steps taken to strengthen social media and cyber security.
A meeting of the committee was presided over by MNA Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali.
The panel voiced its disappointment with the involved departments’ disregard for consumer data protection, personal privacy, and human rights.
The committee members also voiced their worries over the increase in cybercrime offences over the past four years and questioned the complaint enrollment process as well as the lack of employees and cutting-edge equipment for further investigating the filed complaints.
The committee instructed the agency to enhance the online complaint system and make sure that complainants received prompt follow-up and relief.
The gathering attendees raised their hands in protest over ongoing online efforts that target public figures and organizations. They demanded that the staff members of the FIA’s cybercrime division be given training.
The committee chairperson gave the FIA instructions to designate a liaison officer to facilitate MP coordination of cybercrime allegations.
The IT minister gave the panel his word that the Cabinet would soon be provided with recommendations on social media laws for approval and subsequent legislation.
The committee encouraged the ministry to consider all stakeholders’ suggestions in confidence and incorporate them into new social media laws.
In its next meeting, the committee will tour the cybercrime unit and discuss the pension concerns of PTCL workers.
