How to File a Cybercrime Complaint In Pakistan|FIA

How to File a Cybercrime Complaint in Pakistan — FIA / NR3C / NCCIA

Clear steps, official portals, evidence checklist, a short sample complaint, and practical tips for victims and lawyers.

If you are a victim of hacking, online fraud, doxxing, cyber harassment, defamation, or other electronic crimes, you can report the incident to Pakistan’s cybercrime authorities. Recent institutional changes mean cyber complaints are handled through the official cyber-crime channels (FIA/NR3C) and — where applicable — the newly established National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Always use the official portals or helplines listed below. 1

Where to file (official channels)

• Online complaint portal (FIA/NR3C): complaint.fia.gov.pk — common entry point for cyber complaints. 2
• NR3C website & complaint form: nr3c.gov.pk (National Response Centre for Cyber Crime) — complaint form and contact info. 3
• Helpline & phone: Call 1991 or listed NR3C/FIA numbers for guidance and immediate reporting. 4
• Email (where available): helpdesk@nr3c.gov.pk or the official helpdesk addresses shown on NR3C/FIA pages. 5
• In person: Visit the nearest NR3C/FIA regional office to submit a complaint and provide devices for forensic inspection. 6

Legal basis

Most electronic offences are investigated under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016. More serious or national-security related matters may now involve NCCIA or other authorised agencies. When you file, mention the PECA sections relevant to your allegation if known (for example: unauthorised access, cyber harassment, identity theft, online fraud). 7

Step-by-step: How to prepare and file your complaint

1. Preserve evidence immediately. Save screenshots (with timestamps), URLs, emails, message threads, full page captures, attachment files and original files where possible. Download videos instead of re-sharing. Preserve metadata if you can. Do not modify or edit the files. 8
2. Record key details. Note exact dates, times, account names, profile URLs, IP addresses (if available), invoice or transaction numbers, payment receipts, and the platform where the incident occurred.
3. Decide how to report. Use the online portal for convenience (complaint.fia.gov.pk or NR3C form). For urgent or violent threats, also call the helpline (1991) or visit a regional office. 9
4. Fill the online form or draft a written complaint. Include: your full name, CNIC, contact details, a concise factual statement of events (chronological), list of evidence (attach files), and the relief you seek (e.g., takedown, trace, arrest, recovery). Upload evidence as instructed. 10
5. Note the complaint ID / acknowledgement. Once submitted you should get a tracking/complaint number. Save that number — it is required for follow-ups. 11
6. Follow up & cooperate with investigators. Investigations may require you to hand over devices for forensic analysis, give statements, or attend interviews. Keep copies of everything you submit. 12

What to include in your complaint (short checklist)

• Your full name, CNIC, current address and contact number.
• Brief chronology: when and how the incident occurred.
• Links / screenshots / chat exports / transaction receipts / bank references.
• Names of accused (if known) and platform details.
• Any police FIR or earlier complaints (if already filed).

What happens after you file

After registration, the complaint is assigned for verification and technical assessment. Authorities may issue preservation notices to platforms or ISPs, perform forensic analysis, and—if evidence supports—register a criminal case (FIR), trace suspects and make arrests. Timeframes vary, but initial verification and preservation steps are prioritised to avoid data loss. 13

Typical timelines

Processing timelines can vary depending on complexity. Some sources suggest initial verification within 1–2 weeks and investigative periods that can last several weeks to months. For urgent takedown requests (defamation, revenge porn) authorities often expedite preservation and takedown notices. Keep your complaint ID and follow up if there is no acknowledgement within a few business days. 14

If the platform is outside Pakistan

Authorities can issue legal preservation or takedown requests to international platforms via proper legal channels; this can take longer. Meanwhile, use the platform’s reporting tools to request removal and keep records of your reports. 15

Sample short complaint (editable)

To: Director, National Response Centre for Cyber Crime (NR3C) / NCCIA

Date: [DD Month YYYY]

Subject: Complaint for [Cyber Harassment / Online Fraud / Hacking] — Request for Investigation

I, [Full Name], CNIC [xxxxx-xxxxxxx-x], resident of [Address], hereby lodge a complaint against [Name or online handle if known] regarding [brief description: e.g., hacking of my Facebook account on DD/MM/YYYY and misuse of my photos; or online fraud of PKR X on DD/MM/YYYY via [platform/bank]]. 

Facts (chronological):

1. On [date], ...

2. On [date], ...

Evidence attached:

- Screenshots (files: screenshot1.png, screenshot2.png)

- Chat export (chat.txt)

- Transaction receipt (bank_receipt.pdf)

- Profile URL: https://...

Relief sought:

1. Takedown of defamatory / abusive content.

2. Trace and identify the suspect using platform logs.

3. Initiate criminal investigation and proceed as per PECA 2016.

Please acknowledge receipt and provide the complaint number.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Contact: [phone/email]

    

Practical tips & cautions

• Preserve originals: Where possible, preserve original devices and files; create dated backups.
• Act fast: Evidence can be deleted — act quickly to record and preserve it.
• Avoid vigilante responses: Do not attempt to hack back or publicly threaten the suspect — this can complicate your case.
• Seek legal advice: For complex frauds, significant financial loss, or cross-border issues consult a lawyer experienced in cybercrime. 16

Important: Institutional changes (e.g., formation of NCCIA) have affected agency names and structures. Use the official web pages and contact numbers when filing your complaint to ensure it reaches the correct authority. 17

Useful official links & contacts

• FIA / NR3C Online Complaint Portal. 18
• National Response Centre for Cyber Crime (NR3C). 19
• Helpline: 1991 (NR3C / cyber helpline). 20
• General FIA Cyber Crime page: fia.gov.pk/ccw. 21
• For updates on the new agency: search for NCCIA (National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency). 22

If your complaint is not acted on

If you do not receive a timely acknowledgement or action, keep following up via the complaint number, call the helpline, and consider:

• Filing a written reminder to the relevant office.
• Approaching the Ombudsperson or filing a writ in the High Court (in extreme delay cases).
• Engaging a lawyer to escalate the matter and ensure proper legal steps are taken.

Disclaimer: This guide summarizes general procedures and official portals as publicly available. Procedures, agency names and contact details can change; always verify current details on official government websites before acting. This article is for informational purposes only and not legal advice.

Sources: Official FIA/NR3C pages, Digital Rights Foundation, recent public notices on cybercrime institutions in Pakistan. 23