Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has decided to change its approach towards foreign nationals arrested for operating or participating in illegal call center activities across the country. Under the new policy, foreign suspects will no longer be deported immediately following their arrest but will instead face legal proceedings under Pakistani law.
According to NCCIA officials, foreign nationals detained during raids on illegal call centers will first be presented before Pakistani courts. Those found guilty will be required to serve their sentences in local prisons before being deported to their respective home countries.
The decision marks a change in the handling of foreign nationals suspected of involvement in cybercrime-related activities. Previously, deportation could be used as a way to remove foreign suspects from Pakistan, but the revised approach places greater emphasis on completing the judicial process before their removal from the country.
Under the new arrangement, law enforcement authorities will investigate suspected illegal call center operations and collect evidence before cases proceed through the legal system. Foreign nationals allegedly involved in these activities will be subject to the same applicable legal procedures as other suspects under Pakistani law.
The policy also means that nationality alone will not exempt individuals from prosecution if investigators establish evidence of criminal involvement. Suspects will have to face the charges brought against them, while courts will determine their guilt or innocence according to the available evidence and applicable legislation.
Illegal call centers have attracted the attention of cybercrime investigators because some operations are allegedly connected to fraudulent activities, financial scams and deceptive communication practices. Such networks can target individuals inside Pakistan as well as victims in other countries.
These operations may use telephone calls, online communication platforms and misleading identities to obtain personal information or money from unsuspecting people. Their activities can create financial losses for victims and undermine confidence in digital services.
The NCCIA has been conducting investigations and enforcement operations against suspected cybercrime networks as part of broader efforts to address online fraud and other technology-related offences.
The decision to prosecute arrested foreigners before deportation could also strengthen cooperation between investigators, prosecutors and judicial authorities. Completing criminal proceedings within Pakistan may allow courts to examine evidence, determine individual responsibility and impose penalties where convictions are secured.
For foreign nationals, the revised policy carries important legal consequences. Arrested individuals could face criminal trials, and those convicted may remain in Pakistani prisons for the duration of their sentences before being returned to their countries.
However, arrest does not automatically establish guilt. Each suspect remains entitled to the legal protections and judicial procedures provided under Pakistani law.
The development highlights Pakistan’s focus on addressing illegal call center operations through formal legal channels rather than relying solely on deportation. It also sends a message that foreign nationals suspected of participating in cybercrime activities can be held accountable through the country’s judicial system.
Further implementation of the policy will be important in determining how effectively authorities investigate these networks, secure convictions and prevent similar operations from continuing in Pakistan.