Pakistan to tighten call center rules to combat rising cyber fraud

PUNJAB, INDIA — The government of Pakistan will soon require mandatory licenses for all call centers nationwide in a sweeping crackdown on digital financial fraud and cybercrime. 

This regulatory move comes amid rising concerns over call center-driven scams exploiting domestic and international victims.

Multi-agency task force targets illicit call centers in Pakistan

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and a designated intelligence agency will jointly oversee approvals, ensuring only legitimate call center businesses operate. 

In a Times of Karachi article, several media outlets reported that Pakistan requires all the call centers to have an official license to prevent telecom fraud.

This crackdown is part of Operation Grey, a nationwide campaign targeting illegal call centers linked to financial scams. Recent raids have exposed foreign involvement, with nationals from a “friendly neighboring country” allegedly running fraudulent schemes. 

Even though a few operators have been getting around shutdowns through court rulings, governments are driving changes to the law and technological advances to enforce them. 

Expanded activity of the NCCIA portrays the willingness of Pakistan to update its response to cybercrime due to the growth of digital menaces.

‘Operation Grey’ intensifies as fraud networks persist

Investigations show that such fraudulent call centers usually trick victims into getting into a false scheme of investing or getting prizes, and the discovery has led to a wider crackdown. 

The police have shut down several illegal activities in the big cities, but some soon start afresh, which raises the question of loopholes in the laws. Authorities emphasize that the process of licensing will maximize traceability and accountability within the sector. 

Beyond achieving accountability, the move will also assist law enforcers to monitor communication channels that are involved in the commission of a crime more efficiently.

The NCCIA’s findings indicate organized networks exploiting weak regulations, with cross-border elements complicating prosecutions. 

While courts have occasionally stalled crackdowns, the government is prioritizing legislative and technological measures to disrupt these scams permanently. The move signals Pakistan’s resolve to protect citizens and restore trust in digital financial services.