The federal government has decided to establish a Joint Task Force to examine the legal status of call centres operating across Pakistan. The move is aimed at improving oversight, ensuring legal compliance, and preventing the misuse of call centre networks for unlawful activities.
According to official details, the proposed Joint Task Force will include representatives from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other relevant government institutions. These agencies will work together to review the operations of call centres across the country.
Director NCCIA Ali Waseem said the task force will carefully examine how call centres are established, whether they are properly registered, and if they comply with existing laws and regulations. The review will also focus on legal procedures related to their operation.
Officials said the government wants to create a transparent system that distinguishes legally operating businesses from those involved in suspicious or illegal activities. The initiative is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight while supporting legitimate businesses in the sector.
The Joint Task Force will also develop a coordinated strategy to identify and take strict action against call centres found to be involved in illegal practices. Authorities believe that stronger cooperation among government agencies will improve enforcement and reduce cyber-related crimes.
At present, consultations are underway regarding the formation of the task force. Government departments are discussing its structure, responsibilities, and operational framework before it officially begins its work.
Officials confirmed that the Terms of Reference (TORs) for the task force are currently being finalized. These guidelines will define the responsibilities of participating agencies and establish procedures for conducting investigations and inspections.
The government is also considering measures to improve coordination between federal institutions involved in cybercrime prevention, telecommunications regulation, and law enforcement. Better information sharing is expected to help authorities monitor call centre activities more effectively.
In recent years, authorities have increased efforts to combat cybercrime and financial fraud carried out through illegal communication networks. The new initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen digital security and improve regulatory compliance across Pakistan.
Officials emphasized that the review is not aimed at disrupting legitimate businesses. Instead, the government seeks to ensure that all call centres operate within the legal framework while protecting consumers and businesses from fraudulent operations.
Industry observers believe that stronger regulation could improve public confidence in Pakistan’s growing business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer support industry. Clear legal standards may also encourage responsible investment in the sector.
The federal government has not yet announced when the Joint Task Force will officially begin its operations. However, officials said work on the framework is progressing, and further details will be shared once the consultation process and TORs are completed.
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Authorities reiterated that cooperation among the NCCIA, PTA, and other relevant institutions will remain essential to ensuring effective monitoring, legal compliance, and timely action against any call centres found violating the law.
