'Anonymous Pakistan' take down government sites, leak bank records

Published September 1, 2014
Screenshot from the hackers' website
Screenshot from the hackers' website

KARACHI: In the wake of ongoing anti-government protests in Islamabad, a group of hackers calling themselves 'Anonymous Op Pakistan' temporarily brought down numerous government portals in a bid to remove, "every vestige of the Pakistan government from the Internet".

The group also leaked a zip file containing 23,000 bank records allegedly connected to the government. The zip file contained a document that stated the leak was carried out by ASOR Hack Team.

Claiming to be a part of Anonymous - the global hacktivist network - the hackers attacked over two dozen government websites overnight, a few of which remained inaccessible on Monday. Some of the hacked websites were defaced as well.

In numerous online messages, Anonymous Op Pakistan said it was carrying out the attacks for political reasons, in support of the PTI/PAT protesters:

"We are cataloging the atrocities being committed in Pakistan. We will begin at once assisting the peaceful protesters in Pakistan with every tool and tactic at our disposal. And we will initiate the process of removing every vestige of the Pakistan government from the Internet and shutting down their communications network. And the Pakistani people will then remove this criminal regime from power and lock them in prison where they belong. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you are hereby dismissed. You will leave power immediately. For the safety and security of your family we suggest that you depart Pakistan at once. This is your only warning."

The group also condemned police action against the protesters:

As for the criminal security and military forces who have so barbarically attacked your own people in Pakistan, we will collect evidence of your crimes and deal with you in the time and manner of our choosing. You would do well to....well, you know - expect us. You will either answer to the justice of your people and the international community, or you will be the subject of the rage filled vengeance of Anonymous.

Portals that were hacked included:

  • Pakistan Army (www.joinpakarmy.gov.pk)

  • Pakistan Air Force (www.paf.gov.pk, www.joinpaf.gov.pk)

  • Inter Services Public Relations (www.ispr.gov.pk)

  • Federal Investigative Agency (www.fia.gov.pk)

  • Punjab Government (www.punjab.gov.pk)

  • Urban Unit (www.urbanunit.gov.pk)

  • Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (www.pemra.gov.pk)

  • Pakistan Electronics Manufacturers Association (www.pema.gov.pk)

  • Provincial Disaster Management Authority (www.pdma.gov.pk/)

  • Press Information Department (www.pid.gov.pk)

  • Pakistan Meteorological Department (www.pmd.gov.pk)

  • National Institute of Electronics (www.nie.gov.pk)

  • Federal Board of Revenue (e.fbr.gov.pk)

Opinion

Editorial

Soaring again
Updated 18 Jul, 2025

Soaring again

The lifting of the ban by the UK will lead to several welcome developments.
Terror in Kalat
18 Jul, 2025

Terror in Kalat

THE unrest in Balochistan is increasingly taking on an ugly and dangerous colour, with repeated, indiscriminate...
Economic exclusion
18 Jul, 2025

Economic exclusion

FOR all the progress made in Pakistan towards the inclusion of women across the sociopolitical divide, comprehensive...
Digital gaps
Updated 17 Jul, 2025

Digital gaps

Digital technology affords Pakistan a unique opportunity to transform itself into a dynamic digital economy.
A grave matter
17 Jul, 2025

A grave matter

IT is a weighty issue, and one which many would not touch with a barge pole, primarily out of concern for...
Vaccine paradox
17 Jul, 2025

Vaccine paradox

PAKISTAN has recorded its highest-ever coverage of the DTP vaccine — protecting children against diphtheria,...