Pakistani Citizens Private Data Found for Sale Online, Government Takes Notice

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice of the illegal trade of Pakistani citizens’ private data being sold on online platforms.

Recent reports revealed that sensitive information belonging to federal ministers, senior officials, and ordinary citizens is openly available for purchase on dozens of websites without any regulatory checks.

The platforms advertise fixed rates for personal details: mobile phone location information for Rs500, mobile data record history for Rs3,500, and foreign travel details for Rs5,000. Colored copies of computerized national identity cards (CNICs) are also on sale, while data linked to International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers is being sold for up to Rs25,000.

The IMEI number, a unique identifier for mobile phones, is primarily used by telecom operators to register devices, block stolen phones, and assist in recovery. However, in criminal hands, it can be exploited to track individuals, clone devices, or falsely report phones as stolen, disabling them entirely.

Experts warn that when IMEI details are combined with other leaked information such as CNIC copies and call records, the risks escalate. Cybercriminals can construct detailed personal profiles for scams, financial fraud, blackmail, or even misuse in court bail processes and fraudulent property transactions without the victims’ knowledge.

Concerns have grown as this practice continues despite similar reports emerging in October 2024, after which no preventive measures were taken.

In response to the latest revelations, Minister Naqvi has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to conduct a probe. The NCCIA director general has formed a special investigation team and instructed it to submit findings within 14 days.

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