By Mustafa Ali
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Saturday officially notified the appointment of new FIA and NCCIA DGs in a major move aimed at reinforcing Pakistan’s law enforcement capacity against both conventional and cyber crimes.
Riffat Mukhtar, a Grade-21 police officer, is now the new DG of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Until now, he was serving as the Inspector General of the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP).
His appointment was made under the Federal Investigation Agency Act, 1974, and the Civil Servants Act, 1973. According to the official notification, the appointment takes effect immediately.
Mukhtar brings decades of policing and administrative experience. He previously served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh.
His leadership is expected to energize the FIA. The agency investigates key federal crimes like terrorism, money laundering, cybercrime, human trafficking, and corruption.
In another major development, Waqaruddin Syed, a Grade-20 officer, has been appointed as the first DG of the newly-established National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Previously serving within the FIA, his appointment follows the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (amended in 2025) and the Civil Servants Act, 1973.
Waqaruddin Syed has deep experience in handling electronic and financial crimes. His new role signals the government’s increasing focus on cyber security.
The NCCIA, working under the Interior Division, will handle digital crimes such as hacking, online fraud, data breaches, and harassment. With cyber threats growing rapidly, the agency’s role is crucial in protecting Pakistan’s digital space.
The appointment of new FIA and NCCIA DGs is seen as a significant effort by the government to modernize the country’s crime-fighting infrastructure. These leadership changes are expected to bridge the gap between traditional policing and modern digital enforcement to protect national interests more effectively.
