The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has intensified its efforts against online gambling and unregulated financial platforms by declaring 46 mobile applications illegal across the country.
These apps, officials are saying, were not just promoting betting but also enabling financial scams and privacy violations, creating serious risks for citizens.
Online Gambling Apps Under Fire
Among the banned applications are some of the most widely used gambling platforms such as 1xBet, Chicken Road, Aviator Games, Dafabet, 22Bet, Casumo, Rabona, 10Cric, Plinko, and Bet365. These apps were offering online casino-style games and betting services in clear violation of Pakistan’s laws.
NCCIA stressed that such platforms are not just a matter of entertainment; they lure people, especially the youth, into a cycle of financial losses and addiction.
“Online betting is illegal in Pakistan and encourages risky, unregulated financial behavior,” the agency noted, adding that unsuspecting users often lose significant amounts of money without any legal protection.
Read more: Chinese investors withdraw all their money from digital lending apps in Pakistan
Unregulated Forex and Privacy Threats
The crackdown goes beyond gambling. Authorities have also listed forex and binary trading apps that operate without oversight. These platforms were flagged for encouraging speculative trading and illegal money transfers, which could destabilize financial security.
Equally worrying are apps that provide sensitive citizen data such as SIM card details, and mobile number information. NCCIA has given the warning that such tools are posing a direct privacy threat, making masses highly vulnerable to identity theft, data misuse, and fraud. Officials underscored that protecting citizens from such risks is a top priority.
PTA to Block Apps, Citizens Urged to Stay Alert
The NCCIA has formally approached the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block all 46 apps from local networks. Nationals have been advised to avoid downloading unverified apps, regardless of their appearance.
The agency reminded the citizens that financial security and personal data safety must be the top priority. By staying alert and avoiding these risky applications, citizens are able to play their role in guaranteeing a safer digital environment in Pakistan.