A local NCCIA official in Multan turned into an internet meme on October 27, 2026, following the spread of a video clip. During the recording, the employee referred to the agency cyber patrolling division as Cyber Petroleum while attempting to sound strict regarding anti-state material, prompting widespread laughter across social media in Pakistan.
While discussing digital surveillance by the agency, the Multan In-Charge made a verbal slip by calling the patrolling unit Cyber Petroleum, and also added another viral remark about tracking events on the social of media.
این سی سی آئی اے کے افسر کی شدید انگریزی میں سخت وارننگ اینٹی سٹیٹ میٹرل ٹالوریٹ نہیں کیا جائے گا ہماری ساءبر پٹرولیم کا ادارہ ہے یونٹ بنایا ہوا ہے جو ہروقت منیٹر کر رہا ہے۔۔واٹس گوینگ آن سوشل آف میڈیا https://t.co/vXKOFKSaSQ
, Waseem Abbasi (@Wabbasi007) October 27, 2026
Users across Pakistan quickly reacted to both statements. One person mocked the remarks by claiming the comments were completely accurate, while another questioned how such individuals secure employment. A third person joked about avoiding trouble with the Petroleum department.
Another individual posted:
How do such people end up getting positions, and why aren't they fired even after their videos come out?
Someone else shared a sarcastic comment:
اللہ کا جتنا شکر ادا کریں کم ہے جس نے ھمیں سرکاری سطح پر مسخروں اور جوکروں میں نہ صرف خود کفیل، بلکہ سرکاری طور پر انہیں ایکسپورٹ کرنے قابل بھی۔Translation: We cannot thank Allah enough, He has made us not just self-sufficient in official clowns and jesters, but even capable of exporting them officially.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency functions as a new organization established by the government on May 3, 2024, under Section 51 of PECA 2016. Operating under the Ministry of Interior, the department replaced the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency on that date.
Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi assumed the role of Director General for the agency on September 16, 2026, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward fake news and anti-state propaganda. Muhammad Ali Wasim holds the position of Punjab Director for the agency and maintains a similar stance on social media regulation.
The agency has gained notice for both its enforcement actions and various disputes. In June 2025, personnel targeted illegal IMEI tampering in Gujranwala and detained suspects involved in a PKR 20 billion fake trading scheme in Multan. Another operation in Faisalabad during July 2025 resulted in 149 arrests linked to hacking and Ponzi schemes.
At the same time, the organization encountered major corruption claims. Reports indicated that 13 personnel allegedly accepted approximately PKR 120 million in bribes from unauthorized call centers late in 2025, prompting an FIA investigation and arrests. Additionally, the editorial staff at Dawn cautioned that the agency might broaden surveillance efforts against reporters.
Online humor surrounding Cyber Petroleum highlights ongoing public questions regarding the readiness of the department, especially as officials continue arresting citizens for online activity under PECA.
