NCCIA to Prosecute Foreign Nationals Running Illegal Call Centers in Pakistan

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has decided to halt the deportation of foreign nationals arrested during raids on illegal call centers and instead prosecute them under Pakistani law. Under the new policy, arrested foreigners will first face trial in Pakistani courts, and those convicted will serve their sentences in local prisons before being sent back to their home countries, NCCIA officials said.

Previously, foreign nationals arrested at illegal call centers were deported as 'undesirables' without serving prison sentences in Pakistan. Sources indicated that Chinese citizens accounted for the largest number of deportees, with nationals of Indonesia and Vietnam also among those involved in operating such centers.

Last month, NCCIA teams conducted raids on seven illegal call centers and arrested more than 600 people. This time, however, the agency prepared challans against the suspects and sent them to jail instead of deporting them, according to sources.

Separately, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought a comprehensive report on the regularization of employees of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and NCCIA. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued a written order while hearing a petition filed by Tauqir Jadoon. The court directed the relevant authorities to complete the process for granting permanent status to employees, conduct the required interviews, and submit their results.

According to the written order, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) had submitted a clause-wise response and report on the petition. During the proceedings, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that FPSC approval was a mandatory legal requirement. He added that the scrutiny of applicants and interview process were underway, with the directors general of the FIA and NCCIA jointly conducting the interviews.

The court adjourned the hearing until December 8 and directed the relevant directors to submit a comprehensive report detailing the interview results.