I TRAVELLED to the UAE in January via Peshawar airport and returned home at the end of April. I have not purchased any mobile phone or registered an account on Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s website. However after reading the editorial ‘Why involve intel?’ (July 11) I was naturally concerned about my own personal information being leaked.

I tried to sign up for an account at https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk and to my utter shock and horror, I found out that my passport number and CNIC had been compromised, and were already in the system.

As a computer engineer, I understand that certain systems allow you to see the email/mobile number already registered if you click on the forgotten password option. I did that and it told me that an SMS was already sent to a number which is two digits more than the standard phone number format in Pakistan.

I request the PTA and the Federal Investigation Agency to please resolve this issue immediately and to respond to the many emails I have sent explaining my plight. I have included all of my information and my contact details including my registered IMEI numbers which I had verified before I left the country.

A computer engineer

Peshawar

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.