Who has been appointed as the new DG of NCCIA?

WEB DESK: The federal government has appointed Syed Khurram Ali, a BS-21 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), as the new Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Interior and Narcotics Control Division. His appointment takes effect immediately, the APP stated.

According to a notification issued by the Establishment Division, Syed Khurram Ali, who was previously serving with the Government of Punjab, has been transferred to head the NCCIA under Section 29(3) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, amended through the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, and Section 10 of the Civil Servants Act, 1973.

The NCCIA serves as Pakistan’s key federal agency for investigating and countering cybercrime, digital fraud, and other electronic offences. The appointment comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen national cyber governance and improve digital law enforcement coordination.

The notification further stated that Waqar Uddin Syed, a BS-20 PSP officer who previously held the post of DG NCCIA, has been relieved of his duties and directed to report to the Establishment Division until further orders.

In a separate development, a Lahore court on Tuesday granted the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) a three-day physical remand of six officials from the NCCIA over allegations of extortion, bribery, and abuse of power. The case was registered on a complaint by Aroob Jatoi, wife of YouTuber Saadur Rehman (Ducky Bhai), who accused the officials of demanding money after her husband’s arrest for promoting gambling apps. A total of nine individuals, including eight NCCIA officers, were named in the FIR. The arrested officials include Additional Director Sarfraz Chaudhry and Deputy Director Zawar Ahmad. The court noted the case appeared “deep-rooted” and directed the FIA to present the accused again on October 31.