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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.

Traffic was disrupted across several major parts of Karachi on Friday as Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) workers staged sit-ins against the federal petroleum levy. The protests were part of a nationwide campaign announced by the party. JI had said it would hold demonstrations at hundreds of locations across the country by blocking major roads. Karachi traffic police issued an advisory warning motorists about congestion, temporary diversions and partial road closures in several areas. Major routes affected included areas around Mazar-i-Quaid, Numaish Chowrangi, Saddar, Sharea Faisal, Shahrah-i-Pakistan, UP Mor, Power House Chowrangi, Defence Housing Authority, Sea View, Shahrah-i-Orangi, Hub River Road, Super Highway and National Highway. The traffic police advised citizens to avoid the protest-hit areas where possible and use alternative routes. Commuters were also asked to allow additional time for their journeys. According to updates shared by JI Karachi, protesters blocked the road connecting Sharea Faisal with Natha Khan. The Super Highway and Hub River Road were also affected. Another road connecting the Sharea Faisal Nursery Bus Stop with the airport was reportedly blocked as protesters gathered at the designated locations. The demonstrations prompted criticism from the Sindh government. Provincial government spokesperson Sadia Javed said the petroleum levy was a federal issue and questioned why Karachi’s residents were facing difficulties because of the protest. She accused the JI of using the demonstrations for political gains instead of addressing public issues through relevant constitutional forums. Javed said road blockades were affecting the daily lives of millions of Karachi residents and raised concerns about the movement of ambulances and patients during the disruptions. She urged the party to raise its objections in Parliament and other relevant forums rather than blocking roads. The government spokesperson also warned protesters against damaging public property or taking the law into their own hands. The demonstrations were not limited to Karachi. JI workers also gathered in Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta and Peshawar as part of the nationwide campaign. In Islamabad, protesters reportedly blocked Srinagar Highway near Golra Mor while attempting to march towards Chungi 26. Several locations across Sindh also witnessed demonstrations, including Thatta, Matiari, Tando Allahyar and Shikarpur.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that Basant will be celebrated in Lahore from March 12 to 14, 2027. In a statement, Maryam said the announcement followed the successful celebration of Basant in 2026. She expressed hope that the festival would once again bring Lahore to life with colours, culture, music and celebrations. The chief minister described Basant as a festival for the people. She encouraged citizens to participate in the celebrations and create lasting memories. Maryam also invited overseas Pakistanis and international visitors to attend the event. She asked them to mark March 12 to 14 on their calendars and plan their visits to Lahore. She said Lahore would once again be illuminated by the enthusiasm of the people during the festival. The announcement comes as preparations for the 2027 celebrations are expected to build on the experience of the previous year. The provincial government is expected to focus on organising the festivities while ensuring that the celebrations are conducted in an orderly manner. Maryam said she looked forward to welcoming visitors from Pakistan and abroad. She also expressed confidence that Basant 2027 would be organised successfully. The festival is traditionally associated with colourful kites, cultural activities and public celebrations. Lahore has historically been at the centre of Basant festivities in Punjab. Maryam concluded her announcement with a pledge to make Basant 2027 another successful and memorable celebration for the people.