Ex-Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial’s WhatsApp Account Hacked

In a significant breach of digital security, the WhatsApp account of the former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Umar Ata Bandial, has been compromised by unidentified hackers. The incident came to light following a report by investigative journalist and vlogger Umar Cheema on his digital platform. The breach highlights the growing vulnerability of high-profile individuals to sophisticated cyber-attacks and digital impersonation.

Fraudulent Financial Demands to Journalists

According to the report by journalist Umar Cheema, the hackers utilized the compromised account to target members of the media fraternity. Specifically, a message was sent from the former Chief Justice’s WhatsApp number to journalist Imran Waseem. The fraudulent communication requested a temporary loan of Rs. 5 lakh (500,000 Rupees), claiming the funds were urgently needed and promising full repayment by the following day.

Verification Through Alternative Channels

Imran Waseem, upon receiving the unusual request, grew suspicious of the message’s legitimacy. Recognizing that a former Chief Justice requesting a personal loan from a journalist was highly irregular, he opted for a direct verification method. Bypassing the mobile network entirely, Waseem contacted Umar Ata Bandial on his residential landline number to inquire about the financial request and the status of his mobile communications.

Confirmation of the Cyber Attack

During the landline conversation, Umar Ata Bandial categorically denied sending any such message or requesting financial assistance. He confirmed that his WhatsApp account had been hacked and was no longer under his control. The former Chief Justice expressed concern over the misuse of his identity for fraudulent purposes and verified that the loan request was entirely fictitious.

Legal Action and Cyber Complaint

Following the discovery of the breach, the former Chief Justice has initiated formal legal proceedings to address the cybercrime. A formal complaint has been lodged with the relevant cyber authorities, identified as the National Cyber Crime Investigation (NCCI) agency. The authorities are expected to trace the origin of the hack and the digital footprint of the scammers involved in this high-profile impersonation.

Warning Against Phishing Tactics

The incident serves as a stark warning to the general public regarding the prevalence of phishing attacks. Investigative reports emphasize that hackers often gain access to private accounts by tricking users into clicking malicious links. Experts advise all mobile users to exercise extreme caution and never open links sent by unknown individuals, as these can provide hackers with complete control over a device and its applications.