Zubair Qureshi
A joint working group comprising Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), security agencies, cellular operators and Law Division have been constituted to curb fake websites, fake SMS, fake Whatsapp messages, fake apps, collecting information and defrauding innocent people using the name of Ehsaas.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Poverty Alleviation & Social Security Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar on cyber security and measures to combat fraud and disinformation through cell phone SMS’, websites and apps.
Chairman PTA, Maj Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa along with senior officials of Ehsaas including Secretary Ismat Tahira and DG Technology Mir Anwar was also present in the meeting.
In order to ensure zero tolerance towards digital and cyber frauds, Ehsaas will work together with all stakeholders, vowed Dr. Sania.
The working group will meet weekly to map the snags in the technological ecosystem and will devise an oversight mechanism and legal amendments in the existing laws with zero tolerance for any fraudulent activity through fake SMS, Whatsapp messages, fake apps and websites”, said Dr. Sania. “
I will attend weekly meetings personally”, she added
Miscreants create fake websites and mobile applications to defraud poor people and prospective Ehsaas beneficiaries. “Scammers who sends fake messages and calls to deceive poor potential /existing beneficiaries will be dealt with strictly”, said Sania.
To tackle the menace, PTA, security agencies, Law Division, Telcos and other stakeholders assured full cooperation and support to Ehsaas.
