The Senate Standing Committee on Interior was informed that multiple lawmakers, including senators and MNAs, are being targeted by cybercriminals. Cases include financial fraud, identity theft, online harassment, and defamation.
Officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) briefed the committee on Tuesday. They warned that public representatives are increasingly facing sophisticated online scams.
During the briefing, it was revealed that several parliamentarians were tricked into sending money. In other cases, scammers misused their personal identities. The NCCIA confirmed that arrests have been made in several incidents, and investigations are ongoing to catch other suspects.
One high-profile case involved Senator Falak Naz Chitrali, who allegedly received a call from a fraudster pretending to be the CEO of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital. The scammers reportedly took Rs. 485,000, which was later recovered after arrests.
Other incidents include Senator Bilal Ahmed Mandokhail, targeted by callers posing as the governor, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza, who lost Rs. 490,000. Several lawmakers, including Senator Faisal Rehman, MNA Raja Khurram Nawaz, and Naz Baloch, faced online harassment and defamation. Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan had a fake social media account created using his photo, while Senator Palwasha was deceived through an online investment scheme.
DIG Irfanullah of the NCCIA highlighted the larger cybercrime situation, stating the agency received 157,000 complaints. Of these, 6,029 cases were registered, and 65,431 complaints were converted into inquiries. He noted that the agency faces severe staffing shortages, with only 523 personnel nationwide.
The minister of state for interior said measures are underway to strengthen the NCCIA, including new recruitment, specialized training, and the planned establishment of 64 dedicated NCCIA police stations across Pakistan.
Officials also warned that rented bank accounts enable scammers to move stolen funds. The government has written to the State Bank of Pakistan to enforce stronger banking security.
In other related news also read NCCIA Unveils Massive Cryptocurrency Fraudulent Scheme
The briefing shows that cybercrime is rising, targeting both high-profile lawmakers and ordinary citizens, emphasizing the need for stronger protections and awareness.
