OBSTACLES AND HAZARDS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CYBER FINANCIAL FRAUD UNDER PREVENTION OF ELECTRONIC CRIMES ACT, 2016

Abstract

In Pakistan, cyber financial fraud has become more sophisticated and frequent, especially as online banking, digital wallets, and mobile commerce have expanded in popularity. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, was introduced as a legal framework to address these digital threats. The implementation of PECA is still ineffective, nonetheless, according to data from institutional procedures and court case studies. This article critically analyzes the hurdles to its implementation, including lack of technical expertise, procedural ambiguities, jurisdictional overlaps, and low public awareness. The study draws attention to the discrepancies between legislative intent and actual conditions on the ground by using a qualitative content analysis of case law from District Court Peshawar (2023). The study also considers the shortcomings of PECA in addressing transnational crimes and suggests institutional and policy changes to improve the Act's effectiveness.