ISLAMABAD: During a recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, authorities revealed that electronic fraud in Pakistan has reached a staggering Rs 3 billion. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) presented disturbing findings, calling for an urgent crackdown on illegal call centers and unregulated software houses responsible for this escalating cyber threat.
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In response to this alarming increase in digital fraud, the NCCIA reported that cybercrime now accounts for 60 per cent of all crime complaints nationwide. Popular methods like social engineering and WhatsApp hacking are particularly prevalent, exploiting vulnerabilities in digital literacy. Victims have lost over Rs 3 billion due to a wide range of fraud schemes, many of which manipulate emotions and prey on the public’s limited understanding of online security.
During the Senate session, lawmakers expressed deep concern over the rapid expansion of unregulated operations masquerading as legitimate tech businesses. As a result, the committee has set forth several measures aimed at curbing the tide of digital fraud:
Mandatory Licensing: A new law will require all call centers and software houses to obtain licenses. This regulation will be enforced by a joint task force comprising the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), NCCIA, and security agencies.
Expansion of Operation Grey: The committee has instructed the NCCIA to expand the scope of Operation Grey – crackdown on scam call centers – aiming to eliminate illegal operations both within Pakistan’s borders and across neighboring countries.
Legislative Reforms: The committee has also called for stronger legislative measures to combat cybercrime, with an emphasis on improving prosecution mechanisms and addressing money laundering through cryptocurrencies.
The NCCIA’s report also detailed the extent of operations carried out across the country to clamp down on criminal activity, including 19 operations in Karachi, 17 in Islamabad, 11 in Lahore, eight in Rawalpindi, seven in Faisalabad and one in Multan.
Of the 507 individuals identified through these operations, 248 were Pakistani nationals and 259 were foreign nationals, with Islamabad and Faisalabad showing the highest concentration of both local and foreign offenders.
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Pakistan’s battle against cybercrime is further complicated by the widespread lack of digital literacy among consumers. While digital lending platforms are helping to foster financial inclusion, they also expose vulnerable users to fraud and exploitation.
Additionally, the continuing prevalence of illegal apps and the delayed introduction of comprehensive data protection laws create significant challenges in safeguarding the public’s sensitive financial information.