Cyber crime · For citizens
Fake account in your name? It is a crime.
In short
Fake profiles, false posts and online stalking are offences under PECA. Since 2025, a new agency, the NCCIA, investigates them.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 10 October 2026 · 11 slides · 2 min read
Myth or fact?
What people wrongly believe.
- Myth: It is only the internet. Nothing can be done.
- Fact: Spreading lies online that harm your reputation or privacy is punishable with up to three years (PECA s.20).
Which crime is it?
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.
- Fake profile, your detailsUnauthorized use of identity information: up to 3 years or Rs 5 million fine (s.16).
- False posts about youUp to 3 years or Rs 1 million fine (s.20).
- Repeated contact, spyingCyber stalking: up to 3 years or Rs 1 million fine (s.24).
Quick quiz. Who investigates?
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. Your local police station
- B. FIA Cyber Crime Wing
- C. NCCIA
Answer: C. NCCIA.
PECA sections 29 and 30, as amended in 2025.
- s.29(1)The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) investigates and prosecutes PECA offences.
- s.29(5)The FIA Cyber Crime Wing ceased to exist. Its cases moved to the NCCIA.
- s.30Only an authorized officer of the agency can investigate.
Get it taken down.
Two routes in the Act.
- Report itPlatforms must keep an easy, permanent complaint procedure (s.2S).
- Apply to the AuthorityFor removal or blocking of the content (s.20(2), s.16(2)).
- Complain to NCCIAFor the criminal case against the person behind it.
Evidence wins cases.
What the Supreme Court looked at.
- Devices tracedBail refused where the devices sending the messages were secured and linked to the accused (2022 SCMR 526).
- Forensics failedBail granted where the forensic report did not link the accused (2020 SCMR 830).
- SoSave links, usernames, numbers and screenshots before they vanish.
Arrest possible?
Section 43, PECA.
- False posts (s.20)Non-bailable and cognizable by the agency.
- Fake identity use (s.16)Bailable, non-cognizable, compoundable.
- Cyber stalking (s.24)Bailable, non-cognizable, compoundable.
Myth or fact?
The bail worry.
- Myth: He is under 10 years, so he walks out on bail for sure.
- Fact: Not always. Where a young woman's privacy was grievously intruded, the Supreme Court refused bail (2022 SCMR 526).
Being targeted online?
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- Someone made a fake Instagram account with my photos. What can I do?
- Draft a complaint to the NCCIA under section 20 of PECA.
Example questions
What this does not mean
- Not every PECA offence has the same arrest rules. False posts under s.20 are non bailable and cognizable by the agency, while s.16 and s.24 offences are bailable, non cognizable and compoundable (s.43).
- Since the 2025 amendment, the FIA Cyber Crime Wing has ceased to exist and the NCCIA investigates PECA offences (s.29). Your local police station is not the investigating agency.
- A sentence under 10 years does not always mean bail. The Supreme Court refused bail where the privacy of a young woman was grievously intruded (2022 SCMR 526).
Questions people ask
Is making a fake account in my name a crime in Pakistan?
Yes. Unauthorized use of identity information is an offence under PECA s.16, punishable with up to 3 years or a fine up to Rs 5 million.
Where do I complain about a fake account in Pakistan?
Complain to the NCCIA, which investigates and prosecutes PECA offences (s.29(1)). You can also report it to the platform and apply to the Authority for removal or blocking (s.16(2), s.20(2)).
Does FIA still handle cyber crime complaints?
No. Under PECA s.29(5), as amended in 2025, the FIA Cyber Crime Wing ceased to exist and its cases moved to the NCCIA.
What is the punishment for posting false things about someone online?
Up to 3 years or a fine up to Rs 1 million (PECA s.20).
What evidence should I keep for a cyber crime case?
Save links, usernames, numbers and screenshots before they vanish. Courts looked at whether the devices were linked to the accused (2022 SCMR 526, 2020 SCMR 830).
Sources
- FAI Legal statute index
Every line on the slides was checked against the statute text before it was published.
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
