Pakistani Lawmaker Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Falls Victim to Rs15 Lakh WhatsApp Scam

Pakistani Lawmaker Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Falls Victim to WhatsApp Scam

Online scams are becoming increasingly common in Pakistan, and even high-ranking officials are not safe anymore. The latest victim is Dr. Nikhat Shakeel, a member of the National Assembly (MQM-Pakistan), who was targeted by a WhatsApp scam that cost her relatives and contacts nearly Rs1.5 million.

This shocking incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in Pakistan, where scammers are now using advanced techniques to gain access to personal accounts and extort money.

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How the WhatsApp Scam Unfolded

The incident took place early Sunday morning when a group of scammers contacted Dr. Shakeel, pretending to be officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. They demanded a verification code, claiming it was for a weather-related alert system. Half-asleep and unaware of their intentions, Dr. Shakeel shared the code, unknowingly granting the scammers full access to her WhatsApp account.

Once inside, the hackers sent messages to her family, friends, and colleagues, pretending to be her and requesting urgent financial help. Several individuals, trusting the authenticity of the messages, transferred large amounts of money to multiple fake accounts.

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Victim’s Statement and Bank’s Response

Dr. Shakeel described the ordeal as both distressing and humiliating.

“The scammers reached my family, friends, and professional contacts. Some were deceived and transferred money, while few escaped by verifying the messages,” she stated.

The stolen funds were moved across different bank accounts and mobile wallets registered under fake identities. Unfortunately, when Dr. Shakeel sought help from banks, they declined to assist, citing that her WhatsApp-linked account was not registered in their system.

This lack of cooperation has raised serious concerns about the role of financial institutions in assisting victims of cybercrime.

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National Cyber Crime Agency’s Ineffective Response

After the incident, Dr. Shakeel filed a report with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). However, she soon realized that the process was inefficient and unresponsive. According to her, the NCCIA’s online complaint portal has been malfunctioning since October, making it almost impossible for victims to register complaints effectively.

Even visiting the Islamabad office in person yielded no progress. The delay and negligence in handling cybercrime cases have frustrated citizens across the country.

Dr. Shakeel expressed concern, saying:

“If this can happen to a Member of the National Assembly, ordinary citizens are at massive risk.”

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Rising Trend of Online Scams in Pakistan

Cybercrime is not new to Pakistan, but the frequency and sophistication of these scams have grown drastically. In recent months, hundreds of WhatsApp and online scams have been reported, where criminals trick users by impersonating officials or relatives.

According to digital safety experts, the main reasons behind the increase in cyber fraud are:

• Lack of digital literacy among citizens
• Weak cybercrime laws and enforcement
• Poor bank verification systems
• Limited awareness about online security

Authorities have repeatedly warned citizens not to share verification codes or click suspicious links, yet the scams continue to rise.

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How to Stay Safe from WhatsApp Scams

As online scams increase, it is crucial to take precautions. Here are a few simple safety tips for WhatsApp users in Pakistan:

1. Never share verification codes with anyone, even if they claim to be from a government department.
2. Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp for added protection.
3. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
4. Verify financial requests through phone calls before sending money.
5. Report hacked accounts immediately to WhatsApp support and local authorities.
6. Educate friends and family about common online fraud tactics.

By staying alert, users can significantly reduce their chances of falling prey to such scams.

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Need for Stronger Cybersecurity Measures

This incident serves as a wake-up call for both citizens and authorities. There is an urgent need for:

• Public awareness campaigns on digital safety
• Stronger cybercrime laws and quick investigation procedures
• Improved coordination between banks and law enforcement agencies
• Functioning online complaint portals for fast reporting

Without effective measures, Pakistan may continue to see an increase in online fraud cases, putting more individuals at financial risk.

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Final Thoughts

The case of Dr. Nikhat Shakeel’s WhatsApp scam reveals how vulnerable even influential individuals are in today’s digital world. It also underscores the importance of vigilance, awareness, and stronger cybersecurity systems in Pakistan.

Every internet user must remember:

“Your security begins with your caution. Never share verification codes, and always verify before you trust.”