Islamabad: (PPF) The federal government repealed the rules governing the National Cyber Crime & Investigation Authority (NCCIA), a body created earlier this year to tackle cybercrime, internet-related offenses, and data protection, Dawn reported. The NCCIA, created earlier this year to tackle cybercrimes, online harassment and protect data privacy, was set to become the primary entity investigating internet-related offenses. Its establishment also marked the planned dissolution of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing, which was given a one-year transition period to hand over operations.

The day, however, was marred with confusion as conflicting reports emerged regarding the status of the NCCIA. While some media outlets reported that the federal cabinet had approved the authority’s regulations to intensify the fight against cybercrimes and fake news, a notification from the Interior Ministry contradicted these reports, confirming that the rules had been repealed.

A senior official from the Interior Ministry confirmed the repeal to Dawn but provided little clarity on whether the government intended to dissolve the NCCIA entirely or draft new rules for the authority. The uncertainty left many questioning the future of cybercrime regulation in the country, especially as digital threats continue to escalate.

Establishing the NCCIA was originally hailed as a crucial step toward combating the rising tide of online harassment, hacking, and fake news dissemination. The NCCIA was envisioned as the primary agency for international cybercrime cooperation, further solidifying its importance in global digital security.

The authority’s formation in May had led to the sidelining of the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing, a move that was supposed to streamline cybercrime investigations under a single entity. However, with the rules now repealed, it remains unclear what will happen to ongoing investigations and whether the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing will continue to operate in the absence of NCCIA.

Pakistan Press Foundation had urged the government to provide clarity on the functioning of the new body