The National Assembly on Friday took up the growing issue of cybercrime in Pakistan, with lawmakers warning that digital scams are increasingly affecting ordinary citizens across the country. Members from different political parties raised alarm over the spread of fraudulent messages and online deception, saying that the rapid misuse of digital platforms has created fear, financial loss and legal trouble for many families. The discussion reflected rising concern over how unchecked cyber activity is undermining public trust in digital communication.
During the session, members highlighted a wide range of scams, including fake traffic challans, fraudulent messages from educational institutions, banks, mobile phone companies and other organisations. It was shared in the House that in several cases individuals responded to such messages believing them to be genuine, only to later face serious accusations related to blasphemy and anti state activities. These situations, members said, had resulted in imprisonment and prolonged distress for affected families. PTI leader Sheryar Afridi informed the Assembly that a large number of young people were facing cases and detention after being declared guilty on the basis of online interactions that originated from deceptive messages. He told lawmakers that several people he met outside Adiala jail said they and their relatives were entangled in legal cases after replying to fake online communications sent by individuals posing as representatives of educational institutions, banks and other bodies.
PPP legislator Shazia Marri drew attention to the growing circulation of fake traffic challans sent through text messages and online platforms. She said many people had been cheated by fraudsters who made the messages appear authentic, prompting recipients to pay fines they did not actually owe. Responding to this, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said he too had received messages falsely claiming that he had committed traffic violations and was required to pay fines. The discussion underlined how such scams are designed to exploit fear of penalties and lack of verification, making them effective even against well informed individuals. Members stressed that the widespread nature of these tactics showed how deeply cyber scams had penetrated daily life.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the House that the government was taking steps to introduce reforms in the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to better tackle the rising number of complaints. He informed lawmakers that NCCIA had received more than 150,000 cybercrime complaints over the past year, highlighting the scale of the challenge. According to the data shared, over 81,000 of these complaints were linked to financial crimes, while action was taken against numerous accused persons, many of whom were later sacked following investigations. Chaudhry said efforts were under way to strengthen the capacity of the agency and that experienced officers had been appointed to improve its effectiveness. He also said cellular companies had been directed to enhance security features related to the issuance of SIMs, in an effort to curb misuse.
Beyond cybercrime, the minister responded to additional questions raised during the session. He said the air quality of Islamabad had improved compared to the previous year, citing measures such as vehicle emission certification. He also reaffirmed the government commitment to removing all forms of encroachments from the federal capital. Responding to a calling attention notice, he said Vision 2027 would be announced later this month to guide the development of Islamabad Capital Territory. Separately, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani informed the House that PIA had been privatised in a transparent manner in line with the law and Constitution, clarifying that only core airline operations were included, while PIA owned hotels were excluded. The session also saw the introduction of several bills related to trade, telecommunications, education and dispute resolution, reflecting a broad legislative agenda alongside concerns over digital security.
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