Govt Blocks 43 Loan Apps After Rawalpindi Suicide Incident

The Government has blocked 43 applications as part of its crackdown on these illegal loan apps after a man from Rawalpindi committed suicide when he was unable to pay back his loan and received threatening and blackmailing calls from the lending mafia.

“Strict action has been initiated against illegal loan applications. Chairman PTA Major General Hafeezur Rehman was instructed to take immediate action against such applications.” said IT Minister Aminul Haque.

He added that such companies are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP). PTA’s initiatives also include consultation and support from SECP. “The lending mafia is blackmailing simple people through Facebook and other social media platforms.” he stated.

He also recommended that a campaign should be conducted for the awareness of consumers so that they cannot become victim of blackmailing mafia in the future. “People should also file complaints of such applications with PTA, FIA Cybercrime and the local police.” he added.

Federal Minister IT Syed Aminul Haq also contacted the Director General FIA, who briefed him on the actions taken so far. Instead of waiting for complaints, the FIA ​​Cybercrime Wing should take action against such elements automatically, he added.

He said that it was necessary to suppress the elements that take advantage of the people like these loan apps which force them to pay back their loans with huge interest, threat, blackmail or use their personal data if the user fails to make payment.

He also urged people to not be influenced by online and social media advertisements and not to share any personal data with anyone.

Read more: FIA Cracks Down on Loan Apps Following Rawalpindi Suicide Incident.

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