South Punjab Faces Alarming Surge in Account Hijacks
M Atif Ismail
Multan: In South Punjab, a quiet but alarming crisis is unfolding in the digital world. Social media account hacking has surged, leaving victims not only financially strained but emotionally scarred, as cyber fraudsters exploit trust, relationships, and the growing reliance on digital platforms.
For many, a hacked account is more than a technical inconvenience. Riaz Lodhi, a resident of Multan, recounts the helplessness he felt when fraudsters gained control of his social media profile.
“They contacted my friends, posing as me, and demanded money urgently. I had to reassure everyone that I hadn’t asked for help. It was humiliating and stressful,” he says.
In another case, a citizen named Salman lost Rs125,000 to hackers impersonating a family member. “They manipulated me with messages that seemed real,” he explains.
“Losing hard-earned money in minutes is painful, but the betrayal and anxiety are even worse.” Experts warn that this psychological toll is as damaging as the financial loss.
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Cybersecurity analysts note that phishing links, cloned profiles, and fake verification messages are the preferred weapons of modern hackers.
Two-factor authentication, vigilance over suspicious links, and prompt reporting of unusual activity are advised, yet experts say awareness alone cannot combat the problem.
“The wave of account hijacking isn’t just a technical problem; it’s a social crisis,” says a local resident. “People are losing trust in digital communication, and relationships are being exploited.”
The societal angle of the issue is particularly acute in close-knit communities, where social media interactions often blend personal, professional, and familial life. Fraudsters prey on that familiarity, turning everyday digital communication into potential traps.
Authorities, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), have been urged to strengthen cybercrime enforcement, launch awareness campaigns, and ensure rapid recovery mechanisms for compromised accounts.
Residents demand stricter punishments for offenders to restore public confidence and prevent the growing erosion of trust in online platforms.
For citizens in Multan and across South Punjab, the message is clear: the digital world offers convenience, connection, and opportunity, but without vigilance, it also carries a hidden threat that can affect wallets, relationships, and peace of mind.
