FIA foils attempt to smuggle 6,700 foreign SIMs from UK into Pakistan

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday foiled an attempt to smuggle 6,700 foreign mobile phone SIMs from the UK into Pakistan

The FIA's immigration wing arrested suspect identified as Mohammad Zohaib at Multan International Airport after he arrived on flight QR-618 from Doha. 

The FIA authorities said that the suspicious passenger who was travelling from UK to Pakistan was intercepted and a hoard of 6,700 foreign SIMs was found upon baggage search. 

The suspect has been handed over to Multan's wing of FIA cyber crime with FIA officials saying that an investigation against the smuggler has been initiated under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016 law.

Earlier today, President Asif Ali Zardari assented to the contentious "Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025" bill, passed by both houses of parliament, despite serious reservations and protests by the journalist fraternity.

According to a press release issued by the President House, the president signed the bill into law after it was passed by the National Assembly and Senate.

The bill includes new definitions, the establishment of regulatory and investigative bodies, and stricter penalties for disseminating "false" information.

The government lowered the punishment for spreading “fake information” online to three years, according to the bill, while they would also face a fine of up to Rs2 million.

"Whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest in general public or society shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend up to three years or with fine which may extend to two million rupees or with both,” Section 26A of the bill said.

The newly amended bill has also proposed the establishment of Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Social Media Protection Tribunal.

The statement of objects and reasons said that Peca aims to modernise and enhance the legislative framework for combating cybercrime in Pakistan, ensuring alignment with present-day requirements and addressing the growing complexities of cyber threats.

Furthermore, it stated, any person "aggrieved by fake and false information" can approach the authority for removal or blocking access to such information and the authority would issue orders no later than 24 hours on the request.

The proposed changes also stated that the authority might require any social media platform to enlist with it any manner, form and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.

It added that apart from the requirements of the act, additional conditions or requisites as deemed appropriate might also be stipulated while enlisting a social media platform.