The federal government has appointed Syed Khurram Ali, a senior police officer of Grade 21, as the new Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), according to an official notification issued by the Establishment Division.
The appointment comes as part of a major administrative reshuffle in the country’s top cybercrime investigation body, following the removal of former DG Waqaruddin Syed, who has been directed to report to the Establishment Division.
According to the notification, Syed Khurram Ali, who previously served in the Punjab government as an Additional Inspector General, will now lead the NCCIA — an institution responsible for investigating cybercrimes, digital financial fraud, and online threats nationwide.
Official sources described the development as part of a broader “high-level surgery” within the NCCIA, coming after the recent arrests of several officers on serious charges. The government’s move is seen as an attempt to restore discipline and strengthen the agency’s credibility in handling sensitive digital investigations.
The Establishment Division has issued separate notifications confirming both the transfer of Waqaruddin Syed and the appointment of Syed Khurram Ali.
As a seasoned officer of the Police Service of Pakistan, Khurram Ali brings extensive experience in policing, intelligence, and digital investigation. His appointment is expected to inject new energy into the NCCIA at a time when Pakistan faces increasing challenges from cyber threats, data breaches, and online financial crimes.
Sources within the Interior Ministry expressed confidence that under his leadership, the agency would focus on modernizing digital forensics, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and rebuilding public trust after recent controversies.
The NCCIA, operating under the federal government, plays a key role in enforcing the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and coordinating with national and international law enforcement agencies on cybercrime cases.