The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore Zone has taken action against two men accused of impersonating actual applicants during a physical recruitment test conducted as part of the agency’s ongoing hiring process. According to a report by Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) dated November 7, the two individuals were apprehended on Saturday at the Elite Training Center in Lahore while allegedly attempting to complete the physical running test on behalf of candidates who were absent from the examination. The incident was identified during the recruitment process, which requires applicants to undergo physical assessments as part of the selection procedure. An NCCIA spokesperson said the suspects, identified as Rashid and Waris, were allegedly appearing in place of the registered applicants in an attempt to complete the test on their behalf. The incident involved the use of impersonation to bypass the established recruitment requirements and participate in an assessment intended for the actual candidates. The agency’s intervention followed the detection of the alleged irregularity during routine verification procedures at the test venue. The case has drawn attention to the importance of identity verification and monitoring during recruitment exercises, particularly for positions involving law enforcement and investigative responsibilities.
According to the NCCIA spokesperson, the alleged impersonation was detected through routine checks conducted at the Elite Training Center. The verification process identified that the individuals attempting the physical running test were not the applicants registered for the recruitment exercise. Following the discovery, an operational team took action at the site and apprehended both men. The operation was carried out on the directions of NCCIA Additional Director Atif Ameer, who instructed the relevant team to respond to the reported irregularity. The two individuals were taken into custody at the recruitment venue as the agency proceeded with the matter under the relevant legal provisions. The incident highlights the role of verification procedures in identifying attempts to participate in recruitment assessments through unauthorised representation. Physical tests form part of the selection process for certain positions, and ensuring that each applicant personally completes the required assessment is necessary to maintain the credibility of the recruitment exercise. In this case, the agency’s spokesperson said the alleged attempt was identified before the test could be completed through the registered candidates’ representatives. The action was taken at the venue, allowing the agency to initiate legal proceedings in connection with the reported impersonation.
Following the incident, a case was registered against the two suspects at Harbanspura Police Station under Sections 419 and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The case was registered as No. 294/26 and relates to allegations of impersonation and cheating. Section 419 of the Pakistan Penal Code addresses punishment for cheating by personation, while Section 420 deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property. The registration of the case provides the legal basis for further proceedings and examination of the allegations against the individuals. The suspects’ involvement in the reported incident remains subject to the relevant legal process, and the allegations should be considered in that context. NCCIA’s action followed the agency’s internal verification procedures, which identified the alleged attempt to complete the physical assessment on behalf of absent applicants. The case also places attention on the importance of maintaining accurate candidate records and ensuring that recruitment assessments are conducted according to the requirements established by the hiring authority. Impersonation during a recruitment exercise can undermine the fairness of the selection process by allowing individuals other than registered applicants to participate in assessments. The agency’s response indicates that verification checks remain part of its efforts to identify irregularities during the ongoing recruitment drive.
NCCIA Additional Director Atif Ameer emphasised that the agency’s recruitment process was being conducted strictly on merit and with transparency. He also warned that attempts involving impersonation or other fraudulent practices would be dealt with through legal action. The statement reinforces the agency’s position that all applicants must complete the required recruitment stages themselves and comply with the established selection procedures. The ongoing recruitment drive involves several stages intended to assess candidates according to the requirements of the positions for which they have applied. Maintaining transparency throughout these stages is important for ensuring that applicants are evaluated fairly and that the selection process remains credible. The incident at the Elite Training Center also highlights the need for effective identity checks during physical assessments, where the presence of the registered applicant must be verified before participation. By taking action after identifying the alleged impersonation, NCCIA Lahore has reiterated that unauthorised attempts to participate in its recruitment process may lead to legal consequences. Further proceedings in the registered case will determine the legal outcome for the two individuals. The agency has maintained that its recruitment exercise will continue under merit-based and transparent procedures, with action against reported irregularities handled through the relevant legal framework.
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