P@SHA warns against unauthorised NCCIA raids on IT firms

Association cites procedural violations

P@SHA expressed serious concern over recent searches conducted without warrants at legitimate software houses. The association reported that teams entered offices and held staff for hours without finding unlawful activity. Investigators seized laptops, servers and mobile phones even when no crime was discovered. These actions disrupt services to foreign clients and expose confidential client data to risks. P@SHA warned that such uncertainty creates fear among employees and investors in the sector.

Call for joint oversight body

The association suggested establishing a committee involving NCCIA, P@SHA, MoITT and PSEB to review complaints. This proposed group would share intelligence on scam operators and agree on standard operating procedures for raids. P@SHA confirmed that the information technology sector backs police action and responsibility toward genuine offenders. However, investigations must follow due process, transparency and proportionality to avoid damaging the technology ecosystem. Authorities are urged to differentiate legitimate call centres from illegal scam centres during operations.

Impact on business operations

P@SHA stated that current tactics restrict access to essential equipment needed for daily work. The association insists that investigations must not create an environment of fear for investors. Members have complained about prolonged questioning and the seizure of vital hardware without evidence. P@SHA demands that authorities avoid actions that halt legitimate business operations or damage Pakistan's technology ecosystem. The industry fully supports lawful, evidence-based operations but rejects harassment of registered firms.