Pakistan, Dec. 28 -- The Punjab government has authorised the Crime Control Department (CCD) to take decisive action against organised groups involved in online and electronic fraud, responding to a sharp rise in digital crimes.

Officials say the move aims to protect innocent citizens who are increasingly losing their lifetime savings, as cybercriminals target salaried individuals, small traders, and vulnerable segments of society.

Moreover, authorities revealed that beneficiaries of social welfare programmes have also been defrauded, while some criminal groups have expanded into short-term kidnappings for ransom, often without formal cases being registered.

Under the new mandate, the CCD will carry out robust operations against these...