The government officials stated that the banned apps were operating against national laws, facilitating mass-level betting and casino-style games.

NCCIA identifies some of the best-known betting platforms, like 1xBet, Chicken Road, Aviator Games, Dafabet, 22Bet, Casumo, Rabona, 10Cric, Plinko and Bet365, as part of the list. The agency revealed that these apps are not only involved in market gambling but also promote illicit digital financial transactions.

The crackdown also includes unlicensed binary and forex trading applications that, according to authorities, were not being regulated properly and increased the threat of scamming and illegal money transfer. NCCIA warned that these services are a grave menace to financial security.

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Furthermore, a number of apps offering access to citizens  personal data—including mobile number and SIM card information—have been outlawed. Authorities warned that such sites risked causing privacy violations, identity theft, and abuse of sensitive information.

The agency has officially asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block the apps right away. The authorities have requested the public to remain vigilant and not download unverified apps that can pose threats to both financial security and personal information.