ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman has made a shocking revelation, that the sensitive personal data of Pakistani citizens is now available for sale on dark web.
During the standing committee meeting, PTA Chairman informed that mobile SIM records, copies of national identity cards (CNICs), and even individuals’ travel histories are being illegally accessed and sold.
He further disclosed that data of all applicants for Hajj has also been compromised and all the data are available on dark web for as little as Rs. 500, anyone can purchase a complete data profile of an individual.
Hafeezur Rehman said that PTA conducted an internal inquiry in 2022, and now the Ministry of Interior has launched a separate investigation into the issue.
The Chairman emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to establish a high-security national data center that meets international standards of cybersecurity to prevent further leaks.
During the briefing, PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah, labeled the breach as a major national scandal. Afnan stressed the importance of tracing those responsible for the leak and termed it national security risk.
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The Senate committee showed displeasure over the absence of the Federal Minister for IT and Telecom from the meeting. The Committee Chairperson remarked that the Prime Minister should refrain from calling the Minister or the Secretary to other meetings when a Senate committee session is in progress.
