Citizens’ personal data on dark web: NADRA asked to further strengthen cybersecurity measures

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary body on Tuesday expressed serious displeasure over the availability of Pakistani citizens’ personal data on the dark web and directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict security of the data.

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, which met with Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman in the chair, issued direction to National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to further strengthen cybersecurity measures.

NADRA officials briefed on the matter of identity theft and misuse of personal identification data. Senior officials of NADRA and the Directorate General (DG) of Immigration and Passports (I&P) assured the committee that there have been no data leakages owing to strengthened security mechanisms introduced after 2023.

Senator Talha Mehmood revealed that NADRA has previously provided Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) even to Afghan intelligence officials, claiming that he possesses a list in regards. He said that countless individuals are still misusing CNIC, which in turn facilitates passport issuance. He stressed that passports should not be issued solely based on information provided by NADRA.

Senator Afnan Ullah Khan highlighted the vulnerability of personal data, stating that anyone could obtain someone’s data for as little as Rs500. He said that the personal data of citizens cannot be stolen without internal collusion.

Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, assured that security features in passports have been enhanced.

DG passports added that 99 employees involved in various irregularities have been dismissed, while actions have also been taken against officers above grade 17 under the directives of the Interior Secretary.

The committee also raised concerns regarding the blockage of CNICs of some individuals and directed NDARA to facilitate affected persons through District-Level Committees for verification and clearance of their CNICs in accordance with the prescribed policy.

Director General (DG),National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency: (NCCIA) briefed the committee on the increasing incidents of WhatsApp hacking in Pakistan. He informed that NCCIA is actively addressing the issue and that necessary resources are being provided to strengthen the newly established authority. The Chairman directed that social media platforms failing to comply with Pakistan’s laws must ensure compliance, failing which such platforms may face bans.

The committee discussed in detail the Prevention of Electronic Crime (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and passed the proposed amendments.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026