Meezan Bank has strongly denied allegations of a data breach following reports of unauthorized transactions on customers’ debit and credit cards circulating on social media. In an advisory to customers issued on Thursday, the bank reassured its customers that their data was “completely secure”, stressing that “there has been no security breach whatsoever”.
The advisory addressed rumors of unauthorized charges and explained that the disputed transactions stemmed from unsecured e-commerce activities. Meezan Bank stated that these transactions are being compensated under the chargeback mechanism of international payment systems, with compensation to affected customers who have already complained.
The bank, which is PCI certified and ensures its cards are EMV and 3D Secure compliant, highlighted the importance of secure online practices. It advised customers to avoid using cards on untrusted websites, refrain from making transactions over public Wi-Fi, and remain wary of phishing attempts involving card details or one-time passwords (OTP).
The issue gained momentum after social media users reported multiple incidents of unauthorized transactions. One customer, Malik Zakka from Islamabad, claimed that Rs 2.1 million was withdrawn from his account via transactions in Malaysian currency, which was converted into Pakistani rupees. Another affected customer from Lahore reported transactions worth Rs 1.4 million. They both confirmed that their money was paid immediately.
The advice emphasized the proactive measures taken by the bank to protect customers’ interests and prevent future incidents. Meezan Bank encouraged customers to use their cards with confidence to conduct non-cash transactions on trusted sites while taking the necessary precautions to protect their information.
This incident highlights the growing need for vigilance in digital banking and e-commerce security as online transactions continue to expand rapidly in Pakistan.