The issue of fake traffic challans and online fraud is rising day by day as on Friday, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has also received a fake traffic challan.
Like Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq several other lawmakers have also shared their own experiences and warned the public about growing cybercrime tactics.
However, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq informed the House that he had also received a fake traffic challan. He revealed that someone had impersonated him and contacted another person to demand money in his name. The Speaker said the matter came to light when the individual contacted him directly, and he clarified that he had not asked anyone for money.
Former federal minister Ijaz-ul-Haq told that he had received as many as 19 fake challans, including one just a day earlier. He said such incidents were becoming increasingly common and causing confusion and distress.
PPP leader Shazia Marri said fake traffic challans were being used as a tool for fraud in many cities across the country and that people were being deceived on a daily basis. She called for stronger action to curb the practice.
MNAs also highlighted related cybercrime issues. Naeema Kishor said WhatsApp hacking had become widespread, with fraudsters using compromised accounts to demand money from contacts. Shehryar Afridi warned members and the public to avoid opening suspicious links, saying that in some cases people had landed in serious legal trouble, including blasphemy-related accusations, after clicking on malicious links.
Responding to the discussion, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the government was aware of the issue and had launched an awareness campaign to educate citizens about fake challans, phishing links, and online impersonation. He said a well-organised mafia was involved in blackmailing people through such methods and that investigations were underway to dismantle the network.
The lawmakers urged citizens to remain vigilant, verify any traffic challans or monetary requests through official channels, and immediately report suspicious activity to relevant authorities.
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