PML-N Senator Afnanullah Khan on Tuesday claimed officials were involved in the large-scale theft of Pakistani citizens’ data. He said the data was available on the dark web. According to the senator, it is well-processed and extremely detailed.
During a Senate Standing Committee on Interior meeting, Khan explained that data from NADRA, the Federal Board of Revenue, and banks had been consolidated. He warned that anyone could purchase an individual’s data for Rs500. For the entire country’s data, the price ranged from Rs70 billion to Rs80 billion.
The senator noted that stolen data could be misused in multiple ways, including obtaining passports and identity documents fraudulently.
“Why is Pakistanis’ data stolen repeatedly?” he asked. Khan stressed that data of 240 million people could not be stolen without insider involvement.
He directly addressed the Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Kazi, saying such large-scale theft is impossible without officials’ participation.
Later, Khan emphasized that officials from NADRA and the Immigration and Passports Directorate must have been involved.
Senate Committee Chair Faisal Saleem Rahman inquired about ongoing investigations. Kazi confirmed a probe had been conducted and officials involved had been removed.
Rahman also highlighted the importance of securing law enforcement databases. He questioned who would take responsibility if their data is compromised.
Proposal to Restrict Non-Cooperative Social Media Platforms
Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry raised concerns over terrorists using social media instead of weapons. He criticized platforms that do not share IP addresses of users linked to terrorism.
Senator Rahman suggested the government should formalize contracts with social media platforms. He added that platforms refusing cooperation should face bans.
PPP Senator Palwasha Khan supported the proposal, advocating for strict measures. Rahman further noted that China’s platforms could serve as alternatives to non-cooperative foreign services.
Chaudhry warned that such a ban would be significant and could be perceived as a threat to freedom of expression.
Conclusion
The senator’s statements highlight ongoing concerns about cybersecurity, insider involvement, and the misuse of personal data. Authorities are under pressure to protect citizens’ information while balancing digital freedoms.
The government may need to strengthen oversight of sensitive data and enforce stricter cooperation from social media platforms to prevent exploitation by criminals.
