Cybercrime in Pakistan has surged by 35% so far in 2025, according to Arsalaan Manzoor, Deputy Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Karachi. He linked the alarming rise to the country’s lack of digital literacy, which allows hackers to easily exploit citizens through WhatsApp and online scams.
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Manzoor said most cybercrimes originate from South Punjab and involve people of all ages — not just the younger generation. Despite Pakistan’s improved ranking on the Global Cybersecurity Index, he stressed that literacy, not regulation, is the real weakness. NCCIA Karachi has recovered millions from hackers this year, though complaints continue to rise sharply.
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A recent Visa survey found that one in two Pakistanis fell victim to digital fraud in 2024, while 20% faced scams multiple times. Experts warn that artificial intelligence is now being used to clone voices and create deepfake scams, tricking users into transferring money or sharing sensitive data.
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