The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has called for stronger action against cryptocurrency fraud, cybercrime, misuse of SIM cards and WhatsApp accounts, and scams targeting students seeking overseas education. The committee, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, directed relevant authorities to improve investigations, establish clear complaint-processing timelines and take practical steps to help victims recover their money.
The committee also reviewed the case of Pakistani seafarers held hostage off the coast of Somalia, seeking details about compensation for affected families, medical treatment for injured crew members and the repatriation of a deceased sailor’s body. Officials were directed to submit records of salaries, medical assistance and financial support provided from April to September, along with verification of reported government assistance.
During the meeting, senators raised concerns about ransomware attacks, fraudulent investment schemes, suspicious bank accounts and the misuse of personal information.
The committee called for awareness campaigns in universities and colleges to educate students about phishing, suspicious links and online financial scams. Authorities were also urged to take stronger action against inappropriate content accessible to children on social media.
The committee further expressed concern over overseas education, visa and employment scams, noting that approximately Rs. 5 million had been recovered in one reported case. Members also discussed the death of Laiba Ijaz, a gold-medallist graduate of the International Islamic University Islamabad, reportedly linked to alleged financial fraud involving fake US university admission documents.
The committee directed the relevant authorities to provide an update on the investigation and ensure coordination among the police, NCCIA, FIA, HEC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The committee took exception to the absence of HEC and Foreign Ministry representatives and directed both institutions to attend the next meeting with relevant records and briefings. Senator Zehri stressed that authorities must ensure accountability, improve coordination and provide timely relief to citizens affected by fraud and other human rights concerns.
