Reports have surfaced that the personal data of Pakistani citizens, government ministers, and senior officials is being sold online for as little as Rs500. This revelation has raised serious concerns about privacy and cybersecurity in the country.
According to sources, the leaked information includes highly sensitive records such as SIM details, copies of CNICs, call logs, and even travel histories.
What makes the situation worse is that these records are available on open platforms where anyone can access them, despite earlier claims from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that such websites had been shut down.
The news has triggered alarm among cybersecurity experts, who say this is more than just a technical issue—it represents a major failure of the system responsible for protecting data.
They warn that the leaked information could be misused for crimes like identity theft, fraud, or blackmail. In addition, they stress that such a breach is not only a threat to individual citizens but could also pose serious risks to national security.
In response, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered a full inquiry into the matter. The investigation has been handed over to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). To ensure thorough action, a 14-member committee has been formed and instructed to submit a report within 14 days.
Experts believe this incident should serve as a wake-up call. They are urging the government to put stronger cybersecurity measures in place, regularly monitor systems, and hold those responsible accountable to restore public trust.
