Summary Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged citizens to protect personal images, verify online money requests and report suspicious activity amid rising cybercrime.
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned citizens about growing threats from online fraud, cybercrime and blackmail, urging them not to share personal pictures and videos with unrelated individuals.
Addressing a press conference on cybercrime in the provincial capital, Naqvi said various forms of online fraud were emerging, including cases in which women and girls were tricked into sharing pictures and videos and subsequently blackmailed.
He urged citizens, particularly women, to exercise extreme caution when sharing personal images, warning that some individuals exploit pictures and videos for blackmail. He made a special appeal to mothers and sisters not to share their private photographs with anyone.
Regarding online financial fraud, the interior minister advised citizens not to transfer money without verification, even when someone claimed to be ill and requested financial assistance online. He urged people to verify the identities of those seeking money and remain cautious of fake accounts.
Naqvi said fraudsters were using fake social media identities to deceive citizens. He added that cyber police were being mobilised to prevent cybercrime and that measures were being taken to provide timely relief to victims.
He announced a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about online fraud, fake identities and blackmail tactics. He also pledged full support for the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
The interior minister said the NCCIA was receiving the highest number of cases involving the harassment of girls. He added that he had met three girls who had attempted suicide.
Referring to these incidents, Naqvi stressed the importance of preventing online harassment and blackmail, protecting victims and providing timely assistance.
He urged citizens to exercise caution while using the internet and social media, avoid sharing personal information and photographs unnecessarily, and contact the relevant authorities if they encountered suspicious online activity.
