PML-N senator claims citizens' data, including from NADRA and FBR, is being sold on dark web for as little as Rs. 500

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, expressed serious concern over the exposure of Pakistani citizens' personal data on the dark web, directing authorities to take immediate steps to ensure its protection.

The committee convened to address the issue of identity theft and the misuse of personal data. PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan raised alarm, claiming that citizens’ data, including from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and banks, is being sold on the dark web for as little as Rs. 500 per individual, with the entire dataset potentially worth Rs. 70-80 billion.

Khan emphasized that such widespread data theft would be impossible without the involvement of officials within the relevant agencies. “The data of 240 million people cannot be stolen without internal collusion,” he said, pointing to the vulnerability of the systems and the lack of robust internal checks.

Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, assured the committee that security features in passports had been enhanced, while the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DG I&P) reported that 99 employees involved in irregularities had been dismissed. Furthermore, actions were being taken against senior officers under directives from the Interior Secretary.

NADRA officials briefed the committee on efforts to secure citizens’ data, stating that no significant data leakages had occurred since the introduction of strengthened security measures in 2023. However, the committee called on NADRA to implement further improvements to cybersecurity and establish better monitoring systems.

The committee also discussed the blockage of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) for certain individuals and instructed NADRA to facilitate the verification and clearance of CNICs through District-Level Committees in accordance with the prescribed policy.

In a related issue, the committee addressed the increasing incidents of WhatsApp hacking in Pakistan. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) briefed the committee on its efforts to combat this growing threat, with additional resources being allocated to strengthen the agency.

The meeting also saw the passing of amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crime Bill, 2025, aimed at enhancing cybercrime prevention measures in the country.

Senator Rehman stressed the need for continued efforts to safeguard sensitive data, especially that of law enforcement bodies, and warned that any breaches in this regard would have serious consequences.