Several Senators in Pakistan have fallen victim to major online fraud schemes, losing more than Rs. 1.3 million to cybercriminals posing as legitimate callers. The scams have raised serious concerns about data security and the growing sophistication of cybercrime in the country.
According to reports, Senator Dilawar Khan was defrauded of Rs. 850,000 from his bank account, while Senator Falak Naz Chitrali lost Rs. 500,000 in two separate transactions. Chitrali said the fraudsters pretended to be from a “counseling center” and used personal information about her family to sound credible.
The revelations came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Convener Senator Faisal Saleem. Lawmakers disclosed that hackers had targeted Senators using detailed personal data, fake phone calls, and other deceptive tactics to steal money.
Senator Saifullah Abro told the committee that the hackers demanded between Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 550,000 from each victim. He said the scammers used convincing techniques and appeared to have access to sensitive information. Other Senators, including Qadir Mandokhail and Falak Naz Chitrali, were also reportedly targeted.
During the session, lawmakers expressed alarm over alleged corruption within the National Centre for Cyber Intelligence and Analysis (NCCIA). They accused some officials of negligence, claiming that repeated complaints went unanswered.
The committee summoned the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for a detailed briefing and decided to hold an in-camera session to discuss the issue further. The FIA chief was also directed to address allegations of bribery and the misuse of authority among cybercrime officers.
In other related news also read PTI Senator Sania Nishtar Resigns from Senate Position
Members of the committee demanded stronger measures to tackle online scams and protect public officials from cyber threats. They emphasized that cybercriminals are becoming more organized and that improved digital safeguards are urgently needed to prevent further attacks on Senators and citizens alike.
