.
ISLAMABAD:
The growing threat of online fraud took center stage in the National Assembly on Friday when Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq revealed that his vote had been faked to fraudulently solicit money from citizens, prompting assurances from the government that action and legislation were underway to tackle organized digital crime.
The session, chaired by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, also saw the suspension of several lawmakers for failure to submit asset declarations and a packed legislative agenda along with moments of levity on the floor of Parliament.
During the meeting, lawmakers discussed online fraud, legislation, PIA privatization, parliamentary conduct and various civic issues.
While the debate on online fraud was going on, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq informed the House that his voice had been fraudulently cloned and used to solicit money from citizens. He said a person acting on trust had called to confirm the request, after which the matter was referred to the relevant standing committee.
Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said the activity was part of an organized mafia involved in extorting citizens, adding that “rent-an-account” schemes were used to facilitate fraud.
He told the House that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had 523 staff and 23 police stations and that while the agency’s performance was improving, meaningful results would take time.
Meanwhile, legislative work continued during the session as questions regarding the legal status of PIA’s privatization were also raised.
Responding to the concerns, the federal finance minister told Parliament that the privatization process had been completed in accordance with all legal requirements and that the auction had been conducted in a fully transparent manner.
He said 75 percent shares worth Rs135 billion had been sold, of which Rs10 billion would go to the government, while Rs125 billion would be reinvested in PIA.
During the meeting, the Speaker announced the suspension of 32 members for failure to file mandatory declarations, making it clear that suspended members were not permitted to sit in the House, and directed such members present to leave the room.
The session also saw lighter moments when the speaker praised Foreign Minister Talal Chaudhry’s preparedness, prompting Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to jokingly suggest that a statue be made of him, prompting laughter throughout the house.
The NA session was later postponed to Monday at 17.00.
