Senators Lost Over Rs. 1.3 Million in Major Online Scams

Several members of Pakistan’s Parliament have fallen victim to sophisticated online fraud schemes, losing millions of rupees to cybercriminals posing as legitimate callers. Senator Dilawar Khan was defrauded of Rs. 850,000 from his bank account, while Senator Falak Naz Chitrali reported losing Rs. 500,000 in two installments. Chitrali revealed that the fraudsters posed as representatives of a “counseling center” and extracted money through phone calls, using detailed personal information about her family and children to appear credible. The revelations came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Convener Senator Faisal Saleem. Lawmakers disclosed that hackers had specifically targeted parliamentarians, tricking them through deceptive phone calls and data-based scams. Senator Saifullah Abro told the committee that hackers were demanding payments between Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 550,000 from each victim, using highly convincing tactics and personal data to gain their trust. Other senators, including Qadir Mandokhail and Falak Naz Chitrali, were also reportedly caught in the hackers’ schemes. The issue of alleged corruption within the National Centre for Cyber Intelligence and Analysis (NCCIA) also surfaced during the session. The committee summoned a detailed briefing from the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and decided to hold an in-camera session to discuss the conduct of NCCIA officials and the alleged online sale of Pakistani citizens’ personal data. The DG FIA has also been directed to address allegations of bribery and misuse of authority against cybercrime officers. Members of the Senate Interior Committee expressed frustration that, despite repeated complaints to the NCCIA, no action was taken. The committee demanded strict measures against cybercriminals and accountability of officials who failed to act on public grievances.