Current Situation:
In August 2025, the **National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)** declared **46 mobile apps** illegal across Pakistan. Most of these apps were engaged in activities like **online gambling, casino games, illegal forex/binary trading**, and **data theft**.
The agency has instructed **PTA** to immediately block these apps and warned citizens to stay away from platforms that can jeopardize not only your money but also your personal data.
Which apps have been banned?
Gambling and casino game apps:
1xBet, Chicken Road, Aviator Games, Dafabet, 22Bet, Casumo, Rabona, Bet365, Betway, Melbet, Parimatch, BetWinner, Thunderpick, B9 Game, etc.
Forex and Binary Trading Apps:
Binomo, IQ Option, Pocket Option, Deriv, Olymp Trade, OctaFX, Quotex, Binarium, Insta Forex, Evo Trade, Binary Mate, Binary Cent, etc.
Apps that steal data and violate privacy:
SIM Owner Details, Pak SIM Data, Sky SIM Data, SIM Tracker, Pak E Services, Fresh Sim Database, etc.
Why was this action necessary?
* **Financial Risk**: These apps entice people with easy profits but are actually fraudulent and harmful.
* **Privacy Risk**: Many apps can misuse sensitive data from your phone and SIM by accessing it.
* **Legal Issue**: Forex is only permissible when it is through a **SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan)** registered broker or via **PMEX**. All others are illegal.
Important Instructions for the Public:
✅ Avoid unregistered and suspicious apps.
✅ Always trade only on **SECP licensed** platforms.
✅ Do not grant unnecessary permissions to apps.
✅ Immediately report any suspicious app or platform to **PTA or FIA**.
