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ISLAMABAD:
The growing menace of online fraud took center stage at the National Assembly on Friday when President Sardar Ayaz Sadiq revealed that his voice had been impersonated to fraudulently extract money from citizens, prompting the government to assure that measures and legislation were underway to combat organized digital crime.
The session, chaired by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, also saw the suspension of several lawmakers for non-submission of asset declarations and a busy legislative agenda, as well as moments of levity in the House.
During the session, the lawmakers discussed online fraud, legislation, privatization of PIA, parliamentary conduct and various civic issues.
While the debate on online fraud was underway, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq informed the House that his voice had been fraudulently cloned and used to solicit money from citizens. He said a person, acting in confidence, called to verify the request, after which the matter was referred to the relevant standing committee.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the activity was part of an organized mafia involved in blackmailing citizens, adding that “account rental” deals were used to facilitate fraud.
He told the House that the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had 523 staff and 23 police stations and that while the agency’s performance was improving, meaningful results would take time.
Meanwhile, legislative work continued during the session as questions were also raised regarding the legal status of PIA’s privatization.
Responding to concerns, the Federal Finance Minister told the House that the privatization process was carried out in accordance with all legal requirements and the auction was conducted in a completely transparent manner.
He said 75 per cent of shares worth Rs135 billion had been sold, of which Rs10 billion would go to the government, while Rs125 billion would be reinvested in PIA.
During the session, the Speaker announced the suspension of 32 MPs for failure to submit mandatory declarations, clarifying that the suspended MPs were not authorized to sit in the House and ordering all MPs present to leave the chamber.
The session also saw lighter moments when the speaker praised State Minister Talal Chaudhry’s preparation, prompting Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to jokingly suggest having a statue made of him, sparking laughter throughout the House.
The NA session was then adjourned until 5 p.m. Monday.
