Four Senators Fall Victim to Cyber Fraud, Senate Panel Told

Islamabad — Startling revelations emerged during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, where it was disclosed that four senators had fallen prey to online fraudsters. The victims include Senators Bilal Khan Mandokhail, Saifullah Abro, Dilawar Khan, and Falak Naz Chitrali.

The committee, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rahmani, was informed that hackers had targeted several parliamentarians through fake calls and online scams, extracting large sums of money. Senator Rahmani revealed that he too had received fraudulent calls, warning that hackers were deceiving lawmakers using their personal data.

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Senator Saifullah Abro said the cybercriminals typically demanded between Rs500,000 and Rs550,000.

Senator Falak Naz Chitrali recounted losing Rs500,000 in two installments after a caller, identifying himself as Faisal, defrauded her under the pretext of setting up a counseling center.

She added that the hackers possessed detailed information about her family and children. Senator Dilawar Khan reported a loss of Rs850,000 to the same network.

Committee members expressed frustration over the lack of response from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) despite formal complaints. The meeting also discussed corruption allegations within NCCIA, including the sale of citizens’ personal data online. Portions of the agenda were held in-camera to address sensitive issues.

NCCIA Director General Syed Khurram Ali briefed lawmakers on internal reforms, acknowledging issues of bribery and misuse of authority among cybercrime officers. He said new staff would be recruited within three months and that a complete overhaul of the agency would take up to six months. Senator Shahadat Awan criticized the absence of effective prosecution, noting that while cases are registered, they seldom progress.

The committee also raised concerns over the massive data leak of citizens’ personal information. Chairman Rahmani questioned NCCIA’s actions on the breach. DG Khurram Ali said 851 suspects had been arrested and investigations were ongoing in coordination with telecom companies. He estimated three months to fully address the issue.

However, both the Special Secretary of Interior and the DG admitted ignorance about the inquiry committee reportedly formed by the Interior Minister to investigate the data leak, prompting sharp remarks from Senator Palwasha Khan.

Separately, the committee expressed anger over the failure to arrest the killers of Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro’s brother and nephew. Chairman Rahmani condemned the absence of Sindh and Balochistan police chiefs from the meeting and directed that both be issued strict notices. He ordered immediate security for Senators Aslam Abro and Saifullah Abro, emphasizing that protection must be provided “today, without delay.”

The Senate Interior Committee is expected to continue oversight on the NCCIA’s performance and the handling of citizens’ data in upcoming sessions.