Personal Data of Ministers, Citizens Sold Online for Rs. 500

In a shocking revelation, sensitive personal data of federal ministers, government officials, and ordinary Pakistani citizens is allegedly being sold online for as little as Rs. 500 on illegal data-trading platforms.

Cybersecurity experts have raised serious concerns over data privacy breaches, as leaked information reportedly includes CNIC numbers, phone numbers, home addresses, passport details, and bank-related information.

• Reports suggest that hackers and illegal online vendors are selling citizens’ data through private forums and dark web marketplaces.

• Information available for sale includes:

• CNIC and passport details

• Mobile phone numbers

• Residential addresses

• Financial data linked to bank accounts

• Allegedly, high-profile government officials and ministers are also among those affected.

Following the alarming reports, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing has launched an investigation to track down the sources of the breach.

An FIA spokesperson confirmed that authorities are:

• Tracing platforms involved in illegal data trading

• Collaborating with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to verify data leaks

• Planning stricter measures to protect citizens’ privacy and secure government databases

Pakistan has faced several data leak scandals in recent years, including:

• Leaks of SIM registration data

• Exposure of COVID-19 vaccination records

• Unauthorized sales of vehicle registration details

These recurring incidents highlight weak cybersecurity infrastructure and the urgent need for robust data protection laws.

Cybersecurity specialists warn that such breaches could lead to:

• Financial fraud

• Identity theft

• Targeted scams involving sensitive personal data

Experts are urging the government to upgrade digital security frameworks and enforce strict monitoring mechanisms to safeguard citizens' privacy.

The sale of personal data online for as little as Rs. 500 raises critical concerns about Pakistan’s cybersecurity and data protection policies. Unless robust measures are taken, citizens and officials alike remain vulnerable to financial fraud, identity theft, and online exploitation.

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