A New World of Crime |
Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation has reshaped everyday life in ways that were unimaginable only a decade ago.
Mobile connectivity, online banking, e-commerce, and social media have brought convenience, speed, and accessibility to millions. Yet, as the country races toward digital modernity, it is becoming increasingly clear that this progress has also opened the door to a dangerous and largely unchecked new frontier: cybercrime.
Cybercrime in Pakistan can no longer be dismissed as a technical or marginal issue. It has grown into a serious social, moral, and economic challenge, affecting individuals across all classes and professions. Students, homemakers, traders, salaried employees, and even government officials are falling victim to online fraud with alarming frequency. What was once hailed as a tool of empowerment is now being exploited as a weapon by organized criminal networks operating with anonymity and sophistication.
One of the most common and damaging forms of cybercrime involves fake phone calls and deceptive messages. Criminals routinely impersonate officials from banks, NADRA, or the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), using authoritative language to intimidate or mislead citizens. Victims are pressured into sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, PIN codes, CNIC details, and banking credentials. Often, they are warned that their accounts will be blocked or that legal action is imminent. In other cases, false promises of prize winnings or financial rewards are used as bait. A single moment of panic or misplaced trust is enough to wipe out years of hard-earned........