Pakistan’s Senate Human Rights Committee demands faster cybercrime investigations, stronger action against online fraud and improved protection for children and victims
Webdesk- Shiza Iqbal
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has directed authorities to establish clear timelines for investigating cybercrime and financial fraud complaints, stressing the need to keep victims informed about progress in their cases.
Chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, the committee reviewed cryptocurrency scams, social media offences, fraudulent overseas education and employment schemes, children’s online safety and the abduction of Pakistani seafarers off the coast of Somalia.
During the meeting, senators raised concerns about delays in registering complaints and investigating cases involving fraudulent calls, WhatsApp account misuse, stolen personal information, suspicious bank accounts and illegally used SIM cards. The committee also called for practical measures to help victims recover their lost money.
Officials informed the committee that suspicious bank accounts had been frozen in certain cases, while recovered funds were returned in accordance with court orders and legal requirements. Senator Samina emphasised that authorities should provide clear and verifiable statistics on investigations, financial recoveries and legal proceedings against accused individuals.
The committee also called for awareness campaigns in universities and colleges to educate students about online scams, phishing, suspicious links and the protection of personal information. It urged authorities to use social media to spread awareness about fraudulent investment opportunities and other cybercrime risks.
Children’s exposure to inappropriate content on social media was another major concern. Senator Samina said advising parents to monitor their children’s online activities was not enough. She called on authorities to identify and block objectionable content promptly, respond to complaints and strengthen coordination with social media platforms.
The committee also examined cases involving money collected from citizens under the pretext of overseas education, study visas and employment opportunities. Officials reported that approximately Rs5 million had been recovered in one case. The chairperson stressed the need to verify the legal status of education and consultancy firms and take action against those involved in fraud.
Members also reviewed the case of Laiba Ijaz, a gold-medalist graduate of the International Islamic University Islamabad whose death was reportedly linked to alleged fraud involving fake admission documents for higher education in the United States. An Islamabad Police officer briefed the committee on the circumstances and investigation.
Senator Samina called for a transparent and impartial investigation, emphasising coordination among police, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, the Federal Investigation Agency, the Higher Education Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The committee expressed concern over the absence of HEC and Foreign Affairs representatives and directed both institutions to attend the next meeting with relevant records and briefings.
The meeting highlighted the need for stronger investigations, public awareness and institutional accountability to protect citizens from online fraud and exploitation.
