Financial fraud and cyber threats: NA panel calls for stronger oversight

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Thursday voiced alarm over rising financial fraud and cyber threats, calling for stronger oversight and enforcement mechanisms, particularly to protect welfare programs and national security.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which met here with Rana Iradat Khan in the chair, was briefed on recent efforts by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to enhance its operational capacity.

Officials said the agency is working closely with the Pakistan Telecomm unication Authority (PTA) to curb the use of illegal SIM cards, which are often linked to online fraud and criminal activity.

During the meeting, members of the committee voiced serious concern over increasing incidents of financial fraud, especially scams aimed at exploiting the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the country’s flagship social safety net.

They also highlighted security risks posed by cross-border radio transmissions, which, they warned, could be used for disinformation or espionage.

NCCIA officials assured the committee that the agency is ramping up its efforts to detect and prevent such activities, and is exploring deeper collaboration with the PTA and other relevant bodies.

The committee agreed to hold a dedicated briefing on financial crimes in the coming weeks, bringing together stakeholders from NCCIA, PTA, and other regulatory bodies to chart a coordinated response.

In a separate agenda item, the committee considered “The Election (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” introduced by MNAs Shazia Marri and Naveed Qamar.

After initial discussions, the committee decided to defer the bill for further review, citing the need for broader consultation on proposed changes to electoral procedures.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025