In a move to curb the growing threat of digital financial scams, Pakistani authorities have decided to place all call centers under a formal licensing regime. Officials say the decision aims to prevent fraudulent operations that have been exploiting unsuspecting citizens across the country.
The new licensing process will require all call centers to be officially registered and approved by three federal bodies: the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and a designated intelligence agency. The measure is seen as a significant step toward tightening cybercrime enforcement.
This development is linked to the expansion of Operation Grey, an ongoing crackdown led by the NCCIA, which will now extend nationwide. The campaign is primarily focused on identifying and shutting down illegal call centers involved in deceptive investment and prize schemes.
Multiple raids have already taken place in major cities, leading to the closure of unlicensed centers. Authorities have uncovered evidence indicating that foreign nationals from a neighboring country have played roles in some of these fraudulent operations.
Despite enforcement actions, several of these entities have managed to temporarily resume operations through court orders. Officials have expressed concern over the legal loopholes that allow such practices to continue and are now advocating for stronger regulatory frameworks and faster judicial processes.
The planned reforms are also part of a broader effort to upgrade Pakistan’s cybercrime response system. Authorities are calling for enhanced coordination between agencies and increased investment in digital investigation tools.