Several websites offering mobile data have been blocked, though some sites remain operational where citizens' data continues to be sold.
Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday took notice of the illegal sale of citizens' private data on various internet platforms after Express News highlighted the issue in an exclusive report. Express News had brought the issue into the spotlight first in October 2024.
Express News revealed on Sunday that despite its earlier report, private data of Pakistani citizensfrom federal ministers and senior government officials to ordinary peopleis available for sale on various websites without any government authority taking any action.
According to the report, dozens of websites exist online where citizens' data is openly listed for sale, with fixed rates. At these platforms, mobile phone location is available for Rs500, mobile data record details for Rs3,500 and foreign travel details for Rs5,000.
They also offer information linked to an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number for Rs25,000 while colored copies of citizens' computerized national identity cards (CNICs) are also being sold on these sites.
The interior minister instructed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to carry out a swift probe. In compliance, the NCCIA headquarters issued a formal notification constituting a special investigation team.
According to sources, the team is supervised by the NCCIA additional director Islamabad. Members include Deputy Director Network Security Akram Mughal, Assistant Director CCRC Imran Haider, Assistant Director Forensics Muzammil Hussain, Inspector Investigations Badr Shehzad, and Technical Assistant Cybercrime Anis ur Rehman.
The notification further stated that the special team will have the authority to induct representatives from any institution or agency if required.
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