Authorities in Pakistan have intensified efforts against telecom fraud by launching a major crackdown on scam call centers under a campaign named Operation Grey. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) are leading this coordinated initiative in collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence services across the country. The operation is focused on eliminating networks responsible for a range of fraudulent schemes that have victimized individuals both within Pakistan and internationally.
These scam call centers have been operating on a large scale, luring people with fake investment plans, impersonating officials, and executing tech support scams. According to officials, these operations have posed serious threats to public trust and digital security. FIA Director General Ahmed Ishaq Jehangir confirmed that enforcement teams have already raided and shut down several call centers operating out of major urban centers including Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. Multiple arrests have been made, with more suspects under surveillance as investigations continue to trace the remaining elements of these criminal networks.
PTA has played a pivotal role in identifying and blocking suspicious numbers used for fraudulent communications. These include numbers used to impersonate government employees, bank representatives, and even foreign authorities. Hundreds of such numbers have been blacklisted so far, and PTA continues to monitor telecommunication activity to spot irregular usage patterns. A spokesperson from PTA emphasized the agency’s resolve to clamp down on any misuse of communication networks, warning that individuals using SIM cards or internet connections for scam-related activities will be held accountable.
The operation has also begun to draw international attention, especially as many of the scam victims reside outside Pakistan. In response, Pakistani authorities have initiated cooperation with international agencies, including Interpol and foreign cybercrime units. This collaboration aims to trace cross-border elements and neutralize the global footprint of these fraud networks. Officials stated that the international angle of the scam networks further justifies the urgency of upgrading digital forensics capabilities and updating cybercrime legislation. New proposals are being considered to speed up the legal process for takedowns and introduce stricter penalties for cyber fraud.
Public awareness has been identified as a critical element in this fight against fraud. Citizens are being urged to remain cautious, especially when receiving unsolicited calls that request sensitive information or offer unrealistic financial opportunities. People are advised not to share any personal or financial data over the phone. In support of this, FIA has launched a dedicated helpline and online portal to report scam activities, allowing victims to file complaints and contribute to ongoing investigations.
Cybersecurity professionals have welcomed Operation Grey as a necessary step in restoring public trust in the digital space. Many have pointed out that the persistent rise in telecom-based scams had made such an intervention inevitable. With continued focus, collaborative law enforcement, and increased public vigilance, authorities believe significant progress can be made in dismantling fraudulent telecom networks operating under the radar.
