A new investigation by The News has revealed how criminals used biometric fraud to drain bank accounts of two members of the National Assembly. The report exposes a growing network of SIM swap scams that exploit weaknesses in Pakistan’s telecom verification system.
MQM lawmaker Farhan Chishti’s phone went dead after he landed at Islamabad airport on January 12. Someone had obtained a duplicate SIM against his number from a point of sale in Karachi’s Malir area. The criminals then registered Chishti for online banking and moved Rs1.5 million into mule accounts across South Punjab and Sindh. In addition, MNA Shaharyar Mahar lost Rs2 million in a separate incident.
A third case also involved Karachi businessman Sunny Kumar. A duplicate SIM appeared in his name on September 29, 2025, at a retail outlet in Thatta. Criminals then stole Rs8.5 million from his account. Furthermore, investigators found a bank insider in Mardan had accessed about 30 accounts before the SIM swap. The suspected total fraud from that insider alone reached Rs25 million.
As a result, the PTA fined the telecom company Rs77.8 million per case. It cited Regulation 4(4), which holds operators solely responsible for every SIM they sell. However, authorities took no action against the banks beyond ordering them to return victims’ money.
Investigators believe criminals now collect biometric data in bulk from leaked databases. They also reportedly obtain fingerprints from airports, passport offices, and driving licence centres. In response, PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman confirmed that fraudsters bypass the biometric safeguards for identity checks. Meanwhile, authorities have blocked 18.2 million illegal SIMs over roughly two and a half years.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has seized 195 active SIMs and 81 ATM cards from scammers. Joint operations resulted in 171 arrests and the recovery of data belonging to about 600,000 people. Consequently, a National Assembly committee has directed the Interior Ministry to work with the SBP, PTA, and telecom operators on new legislative and technical safeguards.