NCCIA Reports Rescue of 13-Year-Old in Karachi Online-Safety Investigation

Updated: October 31, 2026

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) intervened in Karachi after receiving information about a 13-year-old girl’s contact with a group that an agency official described as linked to the dark web. The child was located before she carried out a further harmful instruction, the official told Dawn. Her identity has not been made public. (Dawn, October 23)

What the agency has reported

NCCIA Karachi Additional Director Tariq Nawaz told Dawn that the agency received a lead from an unnamed foreign crime-investigation agency and traced an internet protocol (IP) address. The investigation found that the person associated with the address was a child who had been contacted through social media and a messaging application.

The agency took devices used by the girl for examination and provided counselling, according to the official. The NCCIA said it was investigating the accounts involved and whether other children may have been targeted.

Public reports differ on some details of the alleged tasks and the network. This article does not repeat those unconfirmed specifics. (Dawn, October 23, The Express Tribune, October 23)

Agency’s advice to parents

In a later interview, an NCCIA official urged parents to stay aware of their children’s online interactions and encourage them to speak up if someone online makes suspicious or harmful requests. (The News, October 25)

The case illustrates why reports about children’s online safety should protect the child’s privacy and distinguish verified information from claims that remain under investigation.

Current status

As of October 31, the reports reviewed said the investigation was ongoing. They did not publicly identify the suspected operators or confirm whether arrests had been made in connection with this case.

Sources

• Dawn: NCCIA prevents Karachi girl exposed to dark web group from causing self-harm
• The Express Tribune: NCCIA rescues 13-year-old Karachi girl in probe into suspected dark web network
• The News: NCCIA asks parents to monitor their children’s mobile phone activities