PAC seeks probe into leak of military officials’ data

E-Paper | May 03, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Expressing apprehensions over the data leak of citizens, especially of military authorities from the Nadra, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday directed the Ministry of Interior to conduct a joint investigation into the breach of data.

PAC Chairman MNA Noor Alam Khan said that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Military Intelligence (MI) should also be included in the investigation team.

“Everyone’s personal data is available on the internet. Data of military authorities has also been leaked. How was it leaked from the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra)?” Mr Khan asked as he instructed PTA to block the data online.

The PAC convened to review audit objections for the year 2019-20 related to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Members of the PAC were vexed over the absence of the Secretary of Religious Affairs. It was informed that the secretary, who returned from Haj operations a day ago, had fallen ill.

“Is he on a ventilator? In an emergency? Is he in the hospital? What is the disease?” Mr Khan said angrily, adding, “Does he know how much the pilgrims have suffered?”

“The secretary has fever, cough and infection,” an official from the ministry informed the members.

“After what you have done with Hajis, the FIA will look into this matter,” Mr Khan said.

He also registered a complaint with the ministry against private operators who took Rs2.5 million from aspiring pilgrims and failed to provide satisfactory services.

“They do not provide proper accommodation to the pilgrims and are rude,” said Mr Khan. Upon inquiry, ministry officials informed PAC members that about 200 members/officials from the religious affairs ministry went to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage.

Last month, the PAC had urged President Arif Alvi and lawmakers who were also performing Haj to address the issues faced by other pilgrims using the government scheme.

It also warned of strict action against private operators who charged pilgrims Rs2.5m or more in fees but failed to provide proper facilities.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2023

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

Jamal Shahid is an Islamabad-based reporter for Dawn with over two decades of experience. He covers the Public Accounts Committee and the National Assembly’s Question Hour, as well as diplomatic events, climate change, and human rights issues in the capital.

PAC orders inquiry into breach of army chief, family’s personal data

Nadra takes criminal action over access to data of army chief’s family

Who is responsible for security breach, Imran asks military

Branded Content

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expands climate action with one Million Tree Drive and forest reforms

The province is turning policy into action through a series of large scale programmes aimed at rebuilding ecosystems and improving resilience against rising climate pressures.

Taptap Send, Arshad Nadeem partner to highlight Pakistan’s unsung champions

The initiative comes at a time when cricket continues to dominate national attention, often overshadowing achievements in other sports.

NexGen Auto (Nishat Group) to Introduce iCAUR in Pakistan

As one of Pakistan’s leading business groups, Nishat Group operates across key sectors including textiles, cement, banking, insurance, power and agriculture.