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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has urged women to be cautious when sharing their photographs online as complaints of cybercrime, harassment and blackmailing continue to rise in Pakistan.
Speaking to journalists during an open court at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) zonal headquarters in Lahore on October 23, Naqvi said the agency was receiving a large number of complaints involving the harassment of women and girls.
He urged women to avoid sharing their photographs under any circumstances, warning that online activity could expose them to different forms of cybercrime.
Naqvi Urges Women to Avoid Sharing Photos Amid Rising Cybercrime
The minister also advised the public not to transfer money to strangers who make financial requests through social media or other online platforms. He cautioned that fraudsters often pretend to be ill or face an emergency to convince people to send money.
Naqvi said people should verify such requests before taking any action and avoid falling for emotional appeals used to obtain money through deception.
Warning Against Fake Accounts and Online Scams
The interior minister also warned citizens about fake social media accounts that criminals use to deceive people and collect money. He urged the public to remain alert when dealing with unfamiliar accounts and online requests.
He further cautioned against schemes that promise to double money within a short period. Such offers attract victims and steal their savings.
Naqvi also highlighted the risks of sharing passwords over the phone. He questioned how people could keep their money safe if they disclosed sensitive account information to others.
The minister said authorities had taken hundreds of people into custody during operations against illegal call centres. These centres are among the targets of efforts to curb online fraud and related criminal activities.
NCCIA Faces Shortage of Staff
Naqvi said the NCCIA had only 61 officers across Punjab, despite receiving a substantial number of complaints from citizens.
He acknowledged the difficulties faced by people seeking help from the agency and said the government was working to ensure adequate staffing to handle complaints more effectively.
The minister added that he would raise the staffing issue with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to seek further support for the agency.
He also said many women had approached the NCCIA with complaints about online harassment and cyber-blackmailing, highlighting the need for stronger measures to address such cases.
Awareness Campaign Planned
The interior minister said the government planned to launch an awareness campaign for women, girls and the general public to help them recognise online threats and avoid falling victim to cybercriminals.
The campaign is intended to encourage safer online behaviour and improve public awareness of common fraud tactics.
As online scams and harassment remain a concern, citizens are advised to avoid sharing passwords, verify requests for money, and report suspicious accounts and threatening messages to the relevant authorities.
Naqvi’s remarks highlight the need for greater public awareness and stronger institutional capacity to tackle cybercrime and protect people from online exploitation.
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