Pakistani barrister Gohar Ali Khan became the latest victim after his WhatsApp hacked on Tuesday. Cybercriminals reportedly took control of his account and began exploiting his contact list.
Fraudulent messages were sent to his contacts requesting urgent money transfers. The scam prompted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief to issue a public warning about the ongoing threat.
Gohar Ali Khan confirmed the incident through his official account on X. He urged the public to ignore any financial requests coming from his compromised number. For safety, he removed WhatsApp from his personal smartphone.
Authorities have been contacted, and steps are being taken to regain control of the account. Experts note that such scams are increasingly common, targeting influential figures whose contact lists often include wealthy individuals.
Cybersecurity specialists say that WhatsApp hacked incidents have surged in 2026. Hackers are using sophisticated techniques, including SIM swap fraud, AI-powered social engineering, and voicemail hacking. These methods bypass platform encryption by intercepting login codes rather than breaking security directly.
Victims often notice warning signs such as a sudden loss of mobile signal, receiving verification codes they never requested, or discovering unknown devices linked to their account.
In response to this latest attack, Gohar emphasized the importance of caution. He advised users not to trust messages requesting money and to report suspicious activity immediately.
Experts recommend that if a WhatsApp hacked account is suspected, users should reinstall the app and log in with their registered phone number. This forces the attacker out and restores access to the rightful owner.
The high-profile breach highlights the vulnerability of messaging platforms, even for senior political leaders and public figures. Cybercriminals increasingly exploit social networks to scam contacts, making awareness and prompt action essential.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging the public to stay vigilant. Users are reminded to enable two-factor authentication and monitor account activity closely to prevent future breaches.
The Gohar Ali Khan case underscores the growing threat of cyberattacks on communication platforms in Pakistan, signaling the need for stronger personal and institutional cybersecurity measures.
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