On the morning of January 14, 2025, a distressing incident unfolded that serves as a stark reminder of the growing menace of fraudulent activities in Islamabad. I being a responsible citizen, a respected father and an educated person, experienced a traumatic series of events involving multiple threatening phone calls. These calls claimed his son was implicated in a kidnapping case and demanded a ransom of PKR 1.5 million to prevent his name from being included in an FIR. The imposters went to great lengths to make the threats believable. One of the callers impersonated my son, speaking convincingly in Sindhi and responding to my contemporary questions appropriately. Fortunately, I took immediate action to verify the claims with a respected management of the School and revealed the truth. A lady desk officer’s quick response and cooperation confirmed my son’s presence in school, diffusing the immediate crisis.
Such incidents are not isolated and I am not the only father who faced this horrific incident rather there are a lot of gullible and naive people in our society who are getting victimized regularly but unchecked. They are part of a broader pattern of fraudulent activities that prey on families’ vulnerabilities, exploiting emotional bonds and fear. This article aims to explore the reasons behind such incidents in Pakistan, the role of institutions, and the responsibilities of parents in combating this threat. Reasons behind such incidents in Pakistan include a lack of effective law enforcement, weak cybersecurity laws and enforcement, lack of public awareness, and economic challenges.
Despite the presence of law enforcement agencies, a lack of coordination and modern investigative tools often leaves cybercriminals and fraudsters unchallenged. Criminals exploit these loopholes to operate with impunity. The absence of stringent cybercrime laws and the inability to enforce existing regulations enable fraudsters to use unregistered or misused SIM cards for malicious purposes. Many people in Pakistan are unaware of how to identify and respond to fraudulent activities. And often in certain cases, it is also difficult to cope with the incident where there is no iota of doubt whether the person is genuine or being manipulated so far. This lack of awareness makes individuals and families easy targets for sophisticated scams. Moreover, widespread financial difficulties in the country have led some individuals to resort to criminal means to survive or exploit others.
Institutions such as law enforcement agencies, telecommunications authorities, and schools, colleges, and universities play a crucial role in addressing such challenges. Swift action against complaints of fraudulent activities can deter future incidents. Modernizing investigative methods, including tracing and blocking fraudulent numbers, is critical. Strict enforcement of SIM card registration and monitoring protocols can limit the misuse of phone numbers. Educational institutions regardless of the public or private sector should be vigilant in monitoring the safety of students and maintaining communication with parents during emergencies. Training for school staff to handle such situations can prevent panic and ensure the well-being of students and their families.
Parents play an indispensable role in protecting their children from potential dangers. In an era of increasing connectivity and risks, parents must maintain open communication with their children, regularly discussing the importance of safety and the potential risks of interacting with strangers or unknown individuals. They should monitor online activity to ensure children’s online activities are supervised and educate them about the risks of sharing personal information. Parents must teach emergency protocols, equipping children with knowledge about how to respond in emergencies, including contacting trusted adults or authorities. Verifying alarming claims about family members before taking action, as demonstrated in Dr. Soomro’s case, is crucial.
The increasing prevalence of fraudulent activities calls for collective responsibility. Parents must stay vigilant about their children’s activities, while institutions must strengthen their responses to such threats. Educating the public about identifying and responding to fraud is essential to creating a safer environment. The exemplary response of the school officer in my case highlights the importance of cooperation and fidelity within institutions. Thanks to management whose quick thinking and dedication ensured that an already traumatic situation did not escalate further. Such actions deserve recognition and serve as a model for others.
Fraudulent calls and scams are a symptom of broader societal and systemic issues in Pakistan. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving stronger law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and proactive parental involvement. Together, we can ensure the safety and security of families, fostering a society where such crimes find no foothold.
To conclude parents and schools should work together to monitor a child’s well-being both at home and in school. Open communication is essential, allowing children to share their daily experiences, feelings, and any challenges they face. Regular check-ins with the child about homework, school activities, and their social media or online presence are also important for identifying potential concerns early. Parents should collaborate with teachers to track academic progress, behavior, and emotional health in school. Encouraging healthy routines that include proper sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and limited screen time will help maintain the child’s overall well-being. Finally, creating a safe and trusting environment at home will empower children to feel comfortable discussing any issues they may be facing, whether at school or in their personal lives.
Note: The above incident is genuine and being circulated for the general public welfare