NCCIA chief faces show-cause notice over missing cybercrime records

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Commission has issued a show-cause notice to National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi over the agency’s failure to respond to a citizen’s request for records of a 2023 cybercrime inquiry or appear before the commission.

In an order dated October 7, 2026, the commission said no NCCIA representative attended the hearing despite two notices sent to the director general on September 9 and September 24. It also recorded that the agency had failed to submit a written response.

The commission has directed Rizvi to explain why proceedings should not be initiated against him under Section 20(1)(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, and why a fine should not be imposed for his nonappearance.

The notice, dated October 8, gives the NCCIA chief an opportunity to explain his position. It does not mean that a fine has been imposed or that he has been found guilty of a violation.

Commission questions agency’s failure to respond

According to the order, the commission’s registrar contacted the designated public officer, who reportedly said he was attending a meeting and could not appear.

The commission rejected the explanation as unacceptable, particularly because the agency had also failed to submit a written reply.

It observed that Section 17 of the Right of Access to Information Act requires appeals to be decided within 60 days, warning that the agency’s failure to respond and attend proceedings was delaying the disposal of the case.

The NCCIA has been directed to submit its written response or provide the requested information, if it does not contest the request, before the next hearing scheduled for November 5 at 11:30am.

What records is the applicant seeking?

The appeal concerns Inquiry No. RE 490 of 2023, originally maintained by the former Federal Investigation Agency’s Cyber Crime Circle and now associated with the NCCIA.

The applicant, represented by High Court advocate Munir Ahmad, invoked Article 19A of the Constitution and the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, to seek official records and clarification about the investigation.

The requested documents include the complete inquiry report and annexures, details of the authority that approved the inquiry, and the legal provisions governing complaints filed on behalf of other people.

The applicant has also asked whether someone who is neither directly connected to a matter nor personally affected by it can legally lodge a complaint with the NCCIA or the former FIA Cyber Crime Wing.

Other requested records include evidence collected by the inquiry officer, notices issued to complainant Tayab Bin Tahir, his statement recorded under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and a copy of the applicant’s own statement.

The applicant has further sought forensic reports of mobile phones allegedly used to send the messages under investigation, along with ownership details of the relevant SIM cards and devices.

She has also asked the agency to explain why she was summoned when, according to her request, her name did not appear in the original complaint.

November hearing could prove crucial

The case now places the NCCIA under scrutiny over its handling of a public information request and its compliance with proceedings before the commission.

The November 5 hearing will give the agency an opportunity to explain its failure to respond and address the outstanding request for records.

The commission has not yet announced a final decision on the appeal or imposed a penalty. The outcome will depend on the agency’s response and further proceedings.