Archives for May 2025

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on SECP Issues Alert Over Fraudulent Loan Schemes on Social Media

SECP Issues Alert Over Fraudulent Loan Schemes on Social Media

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a public warning about fraudulent loan schemes being promoted through social media ads, particularly on platforms like Facebook.

Following a recent crackdown on 141 unauthorized digital lending apps, SECP reports that scammers have shifted to sponsored posts, falsely offering quick, interest-free loans while misusing the names of legitimate organizations to gain public trust.

Victims are lured into paying upfront fees—such as for registration or insurance—or are tricked into sharing sensitive personal information. Once the scammers receive payment or data, they vanish without providing any loans.

SECP is actively working with the FIA and PTA to report and remove these fraudulent ads. The public is urged to verify any financial offers and consult the official list of SECP-licensed entities and approved loan apps on the SECP website.

Source: https://pakobserver.net/scam-alert-issued-in-pakistan-about-fraudulent-loan-schemes-on-social-media/

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Explores Starlink Collaboration to Bridge Digital Divide

Pakistan Explores Starlink Collaboration to Bridge Digital Divide

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has highlighted the transformative potential of SpaceX’s Starlink to bridge Pakistan’s digital divide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The remarks followed a high-level visit to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, where Ambassador Sheikh, accompanied by Consul General Asim Ali Khan and consulate officials, discussed potential collaboration on satellite internet and space technologies.

SpaceX executives welcomed the delegation and presented Starlink’s capabilities in expanding broadband access through low Earth orbit satellites, with a focus on supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation.

The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to innovation-led development and expressed optimism about future cooperation in digital infrastructure and space technology.

This visit comes as Pakistan prepares for Starlink’s official launch. Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently announced that licensing will be completed soon, with services expected to begin by November 2025, following temporary registration granted in March.

Source:https://dailytimes.com.pk/1304833/pakistan-eyes-starlink-to-bridge-digital-divide-amid-engagement-with-spacex/

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on 21 Arrested in Lahore, Multan for Global Cybercrime Network

21 Arrested in Lahore, Multan for Global Cybercrime Network

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), in collaboration with the FBI and Dutch police, arrested 21 suspects in Lahore and Multan linked to the HeartSender Group, a cybercrime network behind global digital fraud operations worth over $50 million.

Raids uncovered phishing kits, scam tools, and video tutorials used to defraud over 11,000 victims. Seized items included 32 digital devices, luxury cars (including a Lamborghini Urus), and Dubai real estate documents. Assets worth PKR 480 million were frozen, and 142 cryptocurrency wallets are under investigation.

NCCIA filed charges under PECA 2016 and the Pakistan Penal Code, while an Anti-Terrorism Court granted a seven-day remand. Interpol is preparing red notices for remaining suspects.

Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1911691

May 22, 2025 - Comments Off on Pakistan Launches Digital Assets Authority to Regulate Crypto Sector

Pakistan Launches Digital Assets Authority to Regulate Crypto Sector

The federal government has announced the creation of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) to regulate the virtual asset sector in line with FATF guidelines and promote growth in the digital economy.

Backed by the Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council (PCC), the PDAA will oversee licensing, compliance, and innovation in areas including crypto exchanges, wallets, stablecoins, DeFi platforms, and tokenised assets. The move aims to formalize Pakistan’s $25 billion informal crypto market, attract global investment, and support blockchain-based startups.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb called it a “future-ready framework” to position Pakistan as a regional leader in digital finance. The authority will also explore Bitcoin mining, tokenisation of public assets, and digital exports.

“This is about rewriting our financial future,” said PCC CEO Bilal Bin Saqib, emphasizing the potential for Web3 innovation and broader financial access.

Source: https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/885424-govt-establishes-pakistan-digital-assets-authority-to-comply-with-fatf

May 21, 2025 - Comments Off on Multiple Booked for Sharing False, Provocative Content During Pakistan–India Tensions

Multiple Booked for Sharing False, Provocative Content During Pakistan–India Tensions

Amid heightened tensions with India, Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has expanded its crackdown on online disinformation and anti-state content. FIRs have now been registered against 11 individuals, including three women, for allegedly spreading false, provocative and defamatory content online targeting state institutions and national figures through social media and web TV platforms.

The NCCIA (Sindh Zone) confirmed that several arrests have been made, and over 500 social media accounts have been flagged for similar activity. The agency alleges that the suspects actively disseminated hostile narratives during the India–Pakistan conflict, aiming to incite public distrust and anxiety.

An NCCIA spokesperson stated: “The nominated individuals have been involved in spreading misleading propaganda targeting Pakistan’s armed forces and national leadership. Legal proceedings are in motion, and action against identified accounts is ongoing.”

Earlier this month, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Shabbir Ahmed was also arrested in Mansehra under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) following a speech critical of the government on Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The developments have raised alarm among rights groups. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern over the PECA Amendment Bill 2025, warning that its vague language around “fake news” could be used to silence journalists, activists, and political dissent. HRCP has called for a full parliamentary debate on the bill, which it says threatens basic civil liberties and freedom of expression.

Source: https://www.geo.tv/latest/604563-five-booked-for-sharing-false-provocative-content-during-pakistan-india-tensions

https://arynews.tv/11-booked-for-anti-state-propaganda-on-social-media/

May 20, 2025 - Comments Off on PTA Denies Reports of YouTube Channel Blocking List

PTA Denies Reports of YouTube Channel Blocking List

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an official clarification rejecting media reports claiming that a list of YouTube channels has been prepared for blocking by the authority or shared with the federal government.

In a statement released on May 20, 2025, the PTA emphasized that no such list has been formulated or sent to the government. The authority reiterated that its mandate is limited to taking action only against unlawful online content, under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, and in accordance with relevant legal frameworks and procedural rules.

PTA further clarified that criminal proceedings, legal action, or enforcement of other relevant laws fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement and judicial institutions, not the authority itself.

The statement urged media outlets to verify sensitive news topics through responsible and credible sources before publication to avoid the spread of misinformation and confusion among the public.

Source: https://x.com/PTAofficialpk/status/1924833665680281810

May 16, 2025 - Comments Off on Viral Video of ‘Rafale Jet Shot Down by Pakistan’ is Misleading

Viral Video of ‘Rafale Jet Shot Down by Pakistan’ is Misleading

A viral video shows an Indian Rafale fighter jet shot down by Pakistan near the LoC in Poonch. The video is from June 2024 and shows an Indian Sukhoi Su-30 MKI crash in Nashik, Maharashtra, due to a technical fault, not related to the current conflict.

Multiple Indian outlets, including The Hindu, NDTV, and India Today, confirmed the incident was a training flight accident, with both pilots ejecting safely. The video was falsely re-circulated during the May 2025 military escalation between India and Pakistan.

Although Pakistan’s military has claimed it downed three Rafale jets, this specific video does not depict any such incident.

Source: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/video-does-not-show-rafale-jet-shot-down-by-pakistan-near-loc/

May 16, 2025 - Comments Off on ​​India Arrests Vlogger, Professor, and Others Over Alleged Pakistan Links

​​India Arrests Vlogger, Professor, and Others Over Alleged Pakistan Links

Indian police have arrested multiple individuals across Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Assam amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan, accusing them of promoting pro-Pakistan views or aiding espionage activities.

Among the arrested is Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a political science professor at Ashoka University, detained in Delhi over social media posts criticizing India’s military narrative around “Operation Sindoor.” He was booked under laws relating to communal harmony, secession, and religious insult. His remarks on a Muslim army officer and Hindutva politics drew sharp backlash from BJP leaders and the Haryana Women’s Commission. Critics, including ThePrint, condemned the arrest as a violation of constitutional freedoms.

Separately, travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel ‘Travel With Jo’, was arrested in Hisar under the Official Secrets Act. Authorities claim she transmitted sensitive information to Pakistani operatives and had visited Pakistan twice. Her family denies all allegations.

Indian media also reported the arrest of several civilians, including students and security personnel, allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based espionage network. Names include Guzala and Banu Nasreena from Punjab, and Arman from Haryana, accused of facilitating SIM card transfers and money laundering for operatives.

In Assam, police, acting on army intelligence, busted a fake SIM card racket allegedly involved in passing information to Pakistan. Seven were arrested, with raids extending to Telangana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

Pakistani journalists have questioned the credibility of Indian reports, calling the arrests politically motivated and accusing Indian media of war-mongering. The New York Times also noted that Indian outlets amplified false narratives during the conflict, further complicating cross-border relations.

Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1911773

May 15, 2025 - Comments Off on Fact-check: Viral claims of radiation leak in Pakistan are false

Fact-check: Viral claims of radiation leak in Pakistan are false

Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and fact-checkers have debunked viral claims circulating on social media alleging that Pakistan experienced a radiation leak in its northern regions. The rumour was fuelled by a fake document falsely attributed to Pakistani authorities, suggesting contamination and public health risks. However, no credible evidence supports these claims, and the document has been confirmed as fabricated.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the ministry clarified that no such letter or bulletin had been released, saying, “The ministry has not issued any such letter or bulletin. The language and style of the fake document do not match the ministry’s standard drafting protocols.” The spokesperson also urged the public to avoid circulating the false information: “We urge the public to ignore this fake letter and refrain from spreading it. Always verify information through official, authenticated sources before sharing.”

May 15, 2025 - Comments Off on Viral Video Claiming Trump Mocked Pakistan Over Indus Waters Is False

Viral Video Claiming Trump Mocked Pakistan Over Indus Waters Is False

A viral video circulating on social media claims that former U.S. President Donald Trump mocked Pakistan in response to India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The claim is false.

The clip, featuring Trump saying “I need water. Help me,” is from a 2016 campaign rally in Texas, where he mocked fellow Republican Marco Rubio, not Pakistan. The footage, shared widely across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, has been used falsely to misinform the audience about the recent India-Pakistan escalation.

Soch Fact Check traced the original video to February 27, 2016, first published by CNN and NBC. At no point does Trump reference Pakistan or the Indus Waters Treaty.

Following India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which included airstrikes and the suspension of the 1960 treaty, Trump’s actual statements focused on de-escalation. He emphasized his close ties with both countries and called for peace, eventually announcing the May 10 ceasefire via Truth Social.

Source: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/trump-did-not-mock-pakistan-over-indus-waters-treaty-dispute/