How to File a Cybercrime Case and Complaint in Pakistan

Why You Must Report Cybercrime in Pakistan

Every year, thousands of Pakistanis become victims of online fraud, social media harassment, hacking, and identity theft. With the country’s rapid shift toward digital transactions and social networking, cybercrime cases are increasing.

If you’ve been scammed online, had your account hacked, or faced harassment on social media, you have legal rights and there is a clear process to get justice under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. This guide explains exactly how to report a cybercrime in Pakistan, whether you are an individual, a business owner, or a victim of cross border online fraud.

What is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime is any illegal activity carried out using computers, mobile devices, or the internet. In Pakistan, such offenses fall under PECA 2016 and are investigated by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing.

Common Cybercrime Offenses in Pakistan

  1. Online banking fraud (credit card theft, phishing scams)

  2. Social media blackmail and cyberbullying

  3. Data breaches and identity theft

  4. Website hacking or defacement

  5. Ransomware attacks

  6. Child exploitation content

  7. Fake online job and visa scams

Infographic on common cybercrimes in Pakistan such as online banking scams, digital financial fraud, cyberbullying harassment, and child exploitation risks. Highlights Pakistan’s cybercrime laws, reporting methods, and safety measures for secure online transactions and child protection.

How to File a Cybercrime Complaint in Pakistan

Collect Strong Evidence

Before you file a case, gather and organize proof.

  • Screenshots of messages, emails, or posts

  • Profile links or URLs

  • Date and time of incidents

  • Contact details of suspect (if available)

Report Online to FIA Cybercrime Wing

Visit the FIA Cybercrime Complaint Portal.

  • Select “Cybercrime” as the complaint type

  • Fill in your personal details

  • Attach supporting evidence

  • Submit and note down your complaint tracking number

Report in Person at FIA Cybercrime Centers

If the matter is urgent (like harassment or threats), visit the nearest FIA Cybercrime Reporting Center.

You’ll need.!

  • CNIC copy

  • Written complaint in English or Urdu

  • All evidence in hard and soft copies

Major FIA Cybercrime Offices Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad.

FIA Response Time

For standard cases, FIA usually responds in 7–15 working days.
For urgent matters like threats to life or child abuse action can be taken within 24 hours.

Legal Process After Complaint Submission

Once your case is accepted.!

  1. FIA calls you for an official statement.

  2. An FIR is registered under PECA laws.

  3. The suspect is traced and investigated.

  4. Court proceedings begin if charges are confirmed.

Cybercrime Penalties in Pakistan (PECA 2016)

Visual breakdown of cybercrime punishments in Pakistan under PECA 2016, covering jail terms for hacking (3 years), data theft (7 years), online hate speech (7 years), cyber harassment (3 years + fine), and child exploitation (7 years + fine). Understand Pakistan’s cyber laws, legal penalties, and how to report digital offenses for compliance and safety.

How MAH&CO. Can Help You

At MAH&CO., we combine legal expertise, real world experience, and a proven record of success in handling cybercrime cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Our cybercrime legal team is led by seasoned advocates who have successfully represented clients in FIA investigations, cyber harassment trials, and complex online fraud recovery cases.

Here is how we can protect your rights and secure justice for you.!

  • Draft & File Cybercrime Complaints with FIA: Professionally prepare legally compliant complaints to maximize acceptance and speed up investigation.

  • Representation in FIA & Court Proceedings: Defend your interests with strategic legal arguments backed by case law and digital evidence expertise.

  • Recover Financial Losses from Online Fraud: Assist victims of phishing, fake investment schemes, and banking fraud in retrieving funds.

  • Handle Social Media Harassment & Defamation Cases: Take swift legal action to remove offensive content and prosecute offenders.

  • Resolve Visa & Immigration Fraud Cases: Represent victims of online visa scams, fake job offers, and cross-border fraud schemes.

With over a decade of combined experience, our lawyers maintain direct communication with FIA cybercrime units and follow international cyber law best practices to ensure maximum protection.

    Why Choose MAH&CO.?

  • Proven Track Record: Multiple successful case resolutions in Pakistan’s top cybercrime courts.

  • Confidential & Secure Process: Your evidence and personal data remain strictly protected.

  • Personalized Legal Strategy: Tailored solutions based on your unique case.

Whether you are an individual, a corporate entity, or a victim of international cyber fraud, MAH&CO. offers strategic, trustworthy, and results-driven legal representation to safeguard your digital rights.

Take Action, Don’t Wait

Cybercrime can destroy reputations, cause financial loss, and threaten personal safety. If you face any form of online crime in Pakistan, act fast file a complaint, secure your data, and seek professional legal help.

Contact MAH&CO. today for expert cybercrime legal assistance and protect your digital life.

You can report cybercrime online by visiting the FIA Cybercrime Complaint Portal at complaint.fia.gov.pk, filling out the complaint form, and attaching your evidence.

FIA Cybercrime Reporting Centers are located in all major cities of Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. You can visit in person to file a complaint if you need urgent action.

You should provide screenshots, chat logs, transaction receipts, URLs, and any other proof related to the cybercrime. This evidence helps the FIA verify and act on your complaint faster.

The FIA usually responds within 7–15 working days. Urgent cases like harassment threats or child exploitation may receive a response within 24 hours.

Yes. Under PECA 2016, online harassment can result in up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine. Victims can file a complaint with FIA Cybercrime Wing or seek legal help from a cybercrime lawyer.

Yes. You can file an online complaint through the FIA’s official portal. However, for urgent or sensitive matters, visiting the FIA office in person is recommended.

Hacking, unauthorized access, and data theft are punishable under PECA 2016 with up to 3–7 years imprisonment and heavy fines, depending on the severity of the offense.

Yes. Creating fake profiles or impersonating someone online is a criminal offense under PECA 2016. You can report it to FIA with evidence of the impersonation.

Yes. Hiring a specialized cybercrime lawyer, like MAH&CO., can help you prepare strong legal documents, follow up with FIA, and ensure faster case progress.

Yes. MAH&CO. assists victims of online visa scams, fake job offers, and cross-border fraud, ensuring legal representation and recovery of losses.