The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, led by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, demanded tighter action on cryptocurrency fraud, cybercrime, misuse of SIM cards and WhatsApp accounts, and scams aimed at students pursuing education abroad. It instructed relevant bodies to enhance investigations, set clear timelines for handling complaints and take practical steps to help victims retrieve their funds.
The panel also examined the situation of Pakistani seafarers held hostage off Somalia, asking for details on compensation for families, medical care for injured crew and the return of a dead sailor's body. Officials were told to provide records of salaries, medical aid and financial support given between April and September, together with verification of any reported government assistance.
During the session, senators voiced worries about ransomware attacks, bogus investment schemes, suspicious bank accounts and the misuse of personal data.
Members called for awareness drives in universities and colleges to teach students about phishing, dubious links and online financial scams. They also urged authorities to clamp down on inappropriate content that children can access on social media.
The committee highlighted concerns over overseas education, visa and job scams, noting that roughly Rs. 5 million was recovered in one reported incident. Senators also discussed the death of Laiba Ijaz, a gold-medallist graduate of International Islamic University Islamabad, allegedly linked to financial fraud involving fake U.S. university admission documents.
Authorities were directed to update the investigation and ensure coordination among police, NCCIA, FIA, HEC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The panel criticised the absence of HEC and Foreign Ministry representatives, ordering both to attend the next meeting with relevant records and briefings. Senator Zehri emphasized that officials must ensure accountability, improve coordination and provide prompt relief to citizens affected by fraud and other human-rights issues.
