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LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

LAHORE: More than 317,000 Pakistanis travelled abroad for employment during the first half of 2026, as economic pressures, unemployment, inflation and limited professional opportunities continue to push workers towards international job markets. Official figures show that 317,436 Pakistanis left the country for employment between January and June. Saudi Arabia remained the most popular destination, attracting 183,951 Pakistani workers during the six-month period. The United Arab Emirates ranked second with 50,773 workers, followed by Qatar with 34,025. Bahrain received 13,329 Pakistani workers, while 4,673 travelled to Türkiye for employment. Several other countries, including Cyprus, Greece, the United Kingdom and Malaysia, also attracted Pakistani workers. Of the total number, 316,848 workers completed their overseas employment registration through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE). Another 588 workers secured employment through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC). The overseas workforce includes professionals from a wide range of sectors. Doctors, engineers, IT specialists, software developers, technicians and paramedical workers are among those seeking better employment prospects abroad. Experts say the continuing outflow could have both positive and negative consequences for Pakistan. Remittances sent by overseas workers provide an important source of foreign exchange and support millions of families in Pakistan. However, the departure of skilled professionals could also create challenges for sectors already facing shortages of qualified workers. Economic difficulties are being cited as a major factor behind the growing trend. Rising living costs, unemployment, heavy taxation and limited career opportunities have encouraged many young professionals to consider leaving the country. Experts have also expressed concern over Pakistan’s technological infrastructure. They argue that inadequate digital facilities, slow or disrupted internet services and limited research opportunities make it harder for professionals and businesses to compete internationally. The high cost of higher education is another concern. Young people seeking advanced qualifications often face significant financial pressure, while limited employment opportunities after graduation can encourage them to seek careers overseas. Thousands of additional Pakistanis are reportedly preparing to leave for employment and are currently completing documentation and other formal requirements through government offices. Workers travelling abroad have also reported difficulties during the departure process at airports in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and other cities. The trend is not limited to blue-collar workers. A significant number of highly qualified professionals and students are also considering international opportunities. Some Pakistani students who travelled to Canada, Europe and the United States on scholarships have expressed a desire to return after completing their studies. However, they say their decision will depend on whether employment, research and professional opportunities improve in Pakistan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have announced rewards for information leading to the arrest or identification of 83 wanted terrorists. According to a list issued by the police, the total reward amount stands at Rs285.8 million. The Central Police Office said financial rewards would be given to individuals who provide information that helps authorities locate, arrest or identify the wanted terrorists. Police said the identity of anyone providing information would be kept completely confidential. The rewards announced for the wanted individuals range from Rs500,000 to Rs100 million, depending on the importance and threat level of each suspect. The list includes wanted individuals from several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Kulachi, Darazinda, Daraban and Paharpur. Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and closely monitor suspicious activities linked to terrorists and Fitna al-Khawarij. Authorities appealed to the public to share credible information with law enforcement agencies. They stressed that the confidentiality of informants would be fully protected. The reward scheme is part of police efforts to locate wanted militants and strengthen security across the province. Officials said public cooperation could help prevent terrorist activities and improve the overall security situation in vulnerable areas.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike after 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, as the party continues its protests against rising petroleum prices and the government’s petroleum levy. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, Hafiz Naeem said the JI’s sit-ins in provincial capitals had entered their eighth day and would continue until the government practically implemented the party’s demands. He rejected the idea of ending the protests solely on the basis of government assurances, saying the party wanted concrete action rather than promises. Hafiz Naeem called for a reduction in petroleum product prices and criticised what he described as excessive government expenditure. He also raised concerns over rising prices of essential commodities, saying flour and sugar mafias were making life difficult for ordinary citizens while farmers were struggling with expensive fertiliser. The JI chief said the nationwide shutter-down strike would be launched after Eid Milad-un-Nabi, which falls on August 26 this year. He warned that the party’s protest movement would not be called off until its demands were implemented. According to Hafiz Naeem, negotiations would no longer be based on requests for protesters to end their sit-ins in exchange for verbal commitments. JI workers have been holding demonstrations since August 16. Sit-ins are being staged outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore and at governor houses in Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar. The protests come as consumers face growing pressure from fuel costs, inflation and high electricity bills. The government has also faced criticism following repeated increases in petroleum prices. The situation has become more challenging amid fluctuations in international oil prices linked to renewed tensions in the Middle East. Authorities have also moved from a 15-day fuel price review to a daily mechanism. The fuel price issue has triggered separate concerns among transporters and petroleum dealers. Earlier this week, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance suspended a nationwide strike for 40 days after receiving assurances from the federal and Sindh governments regarding several demands, including petroleum pricing. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has also pressed the government to resolve outstanding issues and honour previous commitments.