Online Marriage Scam Leads to Abduction in Punjab

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Two young men from Basti Hafizabad have reportedly been abducted after being lured by a fake marriage proposal over social media, raising fresh concerns about growing online exploitation in rural Punjab.

Two young men from Basti Hafizabad, Punjab, were allegedly abducted after being deceived by a fake marriage proposal through social media. The case has reignited growing concerns about cyber-enabled crimes targeting vulnerable individuals in rural Pakistan.

According to the families of the victims, one of the abducted men, Yaseen, had formed a relationship with a woman via the popular messaging application WhatsApp. Over time, the communication reportedly evolved into an emotional attachment, eventually leading to a mutual agreement to marry. Yaseen, accompanied by another man, is believed to have travelled to meet the woman when both individuals disappeared under suspicious circumstances.

Relatives say the two men were last seen heading out to meet the supposed bride-to-be. Days later, family members received troubling messages, indicating the pair had been abducted. Authorities have since launched an investigation, but no formal arrests have been made at the time of reporting.

This incident is the latest in a worrying trend of online scams that exploit social media platforms to lure unsuspecting victims, particularly in less digitally literate regions. With mobile phone access now widespread even in Pakistan’s rural areas, criminals have found new avenues to conduct fraudulent activity under the guise of romance or marriage.

Cybercrime experts say such schemes are becoming increasingly common and point to a lack of awareness and digital security measures in rural communities. “We’re seeing more and more of these cases in areas where people aren’t adequately informed about the risks of online communication,” said a retired Punjab Police official who asked not to be named. He added that efforts by the authorities to educate the public and regulate online spaces have been inconsistent and often reactive.

Despite repeated promises of stronger oversight and digital protections from successive governments, including the current Labour-led administration, there has been little meaningful progress in safeguarding citizens from internet-enabled crimes. Critics argue that political distractions have taken priority over investment in cybercrime units and rural outreach programmes.

The families of the victims are now urging both local officials and the federal government to take swift action, not only to recover their loved ones but also to introduce preventive measures that could shield others from similar fates.

As law enforcement continues its probe, the case serves as a stark reminder of how technology, while offering connection, also exposes users to new threats especially when support systems and awareness are lacking.