Cyber helpline 1799 launched in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi formally inaugurated the National Cyber ​​Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Helpline Centre during a visit to its headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday.

As per the media report, Naqvi also approved the revival of the National Cyber ​​Scouts Programme, an initiative designed to create awareness and train students on cyber security and online threats.

During the visit, the minister inspected several key departments of the agency, including the Helpline Unit, Forensic Laboratory, and Network Security Division. He commended the professionalism and innovative efforts of the staff and encouraged them to maintain high standards in preventing and investigating cybercrime.

Naqvi directed the concerned authorities to ensure prompt and effective handling of cybercrime complaints and stressed the importance of public participation in combating digital threats. He announced that the NCCIA helpline is now functional, and citizens can register complaints by dialing 1799.

To address the growing challenges of cyber security in the digital era, especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence, the interior minister stressed the urgent need for modern technology, robust software and hardware systems, and recruitment of skilled personnel with adequate resources.

He also stressed on the modernization plan for the NCCIA headquarters and directed immediate action to address the current staff shortage. Furthermore, Naqvi approved a new official logo and flag for the agency, which marks a new identity for the institution.

Director General NCCIA Waqaruddin Syed briefed the minister about the agency’s current operations and projects. The event was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Secretary Interior Khurram Agha and other senior officials.