US revokes over 600 visas in crackdown on birth to…

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.

KARACHI: Karachi police have finalised an extensive security plan for the Chup Tazia processions, deploying more than 6,000 officers and personnel across the city. According to a police spokesperson, a total of 6,065 personnel will be assigned to security duties at the two major processions. Around 3,745 police officers and personnel will secure the procession scheduled to begin from Nishtar Park in the morning. Another 2,320 personnel will be deployed for the procession originating from Qasr-e-Musib later in the day. The security arrangements include dedicated teams for checking and searches, route protection and surveillance. Police personnel will also be stationed at rooftops, entry and exit points, return routes and other locations considered sensitive. CCTV control rooms will monitor the movement of the processions and help security officials respond quickly to any developing situation. Police have also planned deployments at major hospitals as part of the overall security arrangements. Officials said the measures were designed to protect participants, maintain order and ensure emergency services remain accessible. The authorities said security teams would conduct thorough checking along the routes and at key access points. Traffic management arrangements have also been put in place to minimise disruption and facilitate the movement of participants and commuters. Karachi police urged citizens attending or living near the procession routes to cooperate with security personnel and follow official instructions. The public has also been advised to immediately inform police about any suspicious person, activity or unattended object. Police said the arrangements would remain focused on ensuring a peaceful observance, maintaining public safety and enabling a swift response in case of any emergency

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced plans to visit Peshawar and Quetta to engage directly with business leaders and provincial authorities as the government steps up efforts to address security challenges affecting trade and investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The announcement came during a meeting with a delegation of traders, industrialists, and representatives of chambers of commerce from both provinces. The delegation briefed the minister on the law and order situation and highlighted the security issues that continue to disrupt commercial and industrial activities. Naqvi said the government recognizes the difficulties faced by the business community and is committed to creating a safer environment for investment and economic growth. He assured participants that all available resources would be utilized to improve security and resolve issues affecting businesses. The interior minister said his upcoming visits to Peshawar and Quetta would include meetings with senior provincial officials, law enforcement agencies, and business representatives to develop practical and long-term solutions to security concerns. He emphasized that a secure business environment is essential for economic stability, adding that the success of traders and industrialists is closely linked to the country’s overall development. “The progress of the business community is the progress of Pakistan,” Naqvi said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and protecting commercial activities. The meeting followed a high-level discussion held a day earlier between Naqvi and President Asif Ali Zardari, during which they reviewed the country’s overall security situation, with particular focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistan has witnessed a rise in militant violence in recent months, particularly in the two provinces. Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations to counter militant groups responsible for attacks on civilians, security personnel, and public infrastructure. The deteriorating security environment has also affected workers and businesses. Earlier this week, six labourers who had been abducted in Balochistan’s Kech district were found dead, while several other attacks in recent weeks targeted police officers, judges, transport routes, and public facilities. The government believes improving security is essential not only for protecting citizens but also for restoring investor confidence and advancing major regional connectivity and infrastructure projects that have been affected by instability.