Committee members criticised the NCCIA for failing to act despite multiple complaints
Cyber fraud targeting parliamentarians and the ongoing data leak controversy dominated discussions during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee, which met on Thursday.
The panel, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, received a detailed briefing from the Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Syed Khurram Ali. The briefing addressed corruption within the NCCIA, allegations of bribery against officers, and the misuse of authority. Sensitive portions of the agenda, including the illegal online sale of Pakistani citizens’ data, were held privately.
Following the emergence of a corruption scandal involving some officers of the NCCIA, Khurram Ali was appointed as the new director general on November 2.
The meeting took a dramatic turn as multiple senators revealed they had been defrauded by online scammers. Four senators — Bilal Khan Mandokhail, Saifullah Abro, Dilawar Khan, and Falak Naz — revealed that they had fallen victim to fraudsters posing as officials or acquaintances.
“I also received a call from these scammers,” said Committee Chair Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman.
Read: Cybercrime watchdog to reopen all inquiries
Senator Saifullah Abro said the hackers typically demanded between Rs500,000 and Rs550,000, while Senator Falak Naz reported being defrauded of Rs500,000 in two instalments. Senator Dilawar Khan lost Rs850,000 through an online transaction.
Senator Naz told the committee that the callers had detailed knowledge of her family and personal data, adding that the scammers had posed as representatives of a “counselling centre.” Members criticised the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for failing to act despite multiple complaints.
The issue of citizens’ personal data being leaked online was also raised during the meeting. Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman asked NCCIA officials what measures had been taken to address the breach.
DG NCCIA Syed Khurram Ali said several FIRs had been registered and 851 suspects arrested. He added that coordination was ongoing with telecom companies, whose systems were also being audited, and that resolving the matter could take up to three months.
Read more: 139 platforms in data sale racket unmasked
The probe was launched after Express News first reported on the sale of citizens’ data last year, in 2024, and again on September 7 this year, when it aired another report exposing a fresh leak. Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi subsequently took notice, ordering a full inquiry and directing that those responsible be brought to justice.
PTA, in September, blocked 1,372 sites, apps, and social media pagesinvolved in selling or sharing personal data. The Ministry of Interior had formed an inquiry committee that was intended to investigate the matter.
However, confusion arose when Senator Palwasha Khan questioned the progress of a ministerial inquiry committee earlier announced by the Interior Minister to probe the data leaks. Both the Special Secretary for Interior and the DG NCCIA claimed they were not aware of any such committee, prompting strong concern from senators.
Data leaks
Thousands of Pakistanis—including federal ministers and senior officials—had been reportedly affected by a breach of personal data, available for sale online, Express News had reported on September 7.
Also read: Billion dollar digital fraud: call for effective cyber governance
Data available for purchase included mobile SIM owners’ addresses, call logs, copies of national identity cards, and abroad‑travel details. The records span a wide range of individuals, from federal ministers to PTA spokespersons, and extend across government tiers.
Despite a similar warning issued by Express News on October 12 last year, the illicit trade continued, with weak enforcement failing to stem the leak. Authorities, including PTA and NCCIA, remained largely silent—despite assurances that offending websites were shut down.
