Islamabad:
Several sites that offer mobile data have been blocked, although some sites remain operational where citizens’ data is still sold.
Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday noted the illegal sale of citizens’ private data on various internet platforms after Express News highlighted the question in an exclusive report. Express News had brought the question into the limelight first in October 2024.
Express News revealed on Sunday that despite its previous report, private data about Pakistani citizens – from federal ministers and senior government officials to ordinary people – is for sale on various sites without any government authority taking any action.
According to the report, dozens of websites are available online where citizens’ data is openly listed for sale with fixed rates. On these platforms, the location of mobile phones is available for the RS500, details of mobile data registration for RS3,500 and foreign travel information for RS5,000.
They also offer information linked to an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number for RS25,000, while colored copies of Citizens’ Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC) are also sold on these sites.
The Minister of the Interior instructed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to perform a quick probe. In accordance with the NCCIA headquarters, a formal review issued a special investigative team.
According to sources, the team of NCCIA is further monitored Islamabad. Members include Deputy Director Network Security Akram Mughal, Assistant Director CCRC Imran Haider, Assistant Director Forensics Muzammil Hussain, Inspector Survey Badr Shehzad and Technical Assistant Cybercrime Anis Ur Rehman.
The message further stated that the special team will have authority to induct representatives from any institution or agency if necessary.
