Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to shut down the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime wing, calling it a “white elephant” that fails to deliver benefits while draining national resources.
Bukhari’s criticism comes after her own experience with the wing, which she described as inefficient and lacking in expertise.
During a case involving a fake video shared on social media, Bukhari was questioned by FIA officers about the Twitter handles that circulated the video. She expressed her astonishment at being asked to provide this information, questioning whether it was her responsibility to keep them informed. Bukhari also highlighted the officers’ lack of technical knowledge, citing their unawareness of why VPNs are used in Pakistan and whether such practices are common in other countries.
The minister also condemned the media for associating the fake video clip with her, questioning how anyone could verify if it was indeed her in the footage. She emphasized the need for responsible media practices and the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
The court proceedings revealed that the FIA had arrested an accused individual, Shafique, in Gujrat, but the chief justice emphasized the need to apprehend the person who initially uploaded the video. The court has sought further clarification on the social media platform’s policies and the investigation’s progress, particularly concerning the arrest of the individual who first shared the video.
Bukhari’s call to shut down the cybercrime wing has sparked debate about the effectiveness of the agency and its ability to tackle cybercrime. While some have praised Bukhari’s stance, others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of shutting down the wing.
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