17-year-old held in Bahawalpur over alleged AI-assisted poisoning attempt

According to preliminary information, the teenager, a second-year student and the only son of his parents, allegedly developed a plan to harm his father following strained relations

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested a 17-year-old student from Bahawalpur over an alleged attempt to poison his father after reportedly seeking harmful guidance from an artificial intelligence system.

According to preliminary information, the teenager, a second-year student and the only son of his parents, allegedly developed a plan to harm his father following strained relations between them. The NCCIA Punjab initiated action after receiving information concerning the teenager’s online activities.

Officials said the teenager had developed an interest in chemistry and maintained a small laboratory at home, where he reportedly conducted experiments. Investigators are also examining claims that his interest was influenced by the crime drama Breaking Bad.

According to the initial investigation, the teenager allegedly obtained chemical substances and attempted to harm his father on one occasion, but the attempt did not produce the intended effect.

Investigators further allege that he subsequently turned to an AI system seeking additional guidance about harming his father and concealing the act. The specific instructions or substances involved have not been disclosed by authorities.

Following the information received through an automated system, NCCIA Punjab Director Hissam bin Iqbal ordered an immediate inquiry. A team subsequently conducted an operation in Bahawalpur and took the teenager into custody.

Authorities said the investigation is continuing and that investigators are examining the teenager’s digital activity, the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and other relevant evidence.

The case has also renewed discussion about the risks associated with minors’ unsupervised access to potentially harmful online material and the misuse of emerging technologies. Authorities and digital-safety experts have increasingly emphasised the importance of responsible technology use, age-appropriate supervision and awareness about the potential consequences of seeking harmful information online.

The teenager remains under investigation, and allegations against him wiwll be subject to due legal process.