Bahawalpur student arrested over alleged AI-assisted poisoning plot

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency's Punjab wing has arrested a 17-year-old student in Bahawalpur on suspicion of attempting to poison his father after consulting an artificial intelligence tool, officials said.

NCCIA Punjab Director Hissam bin Iqbal ordered an inquiry after the agency received information about the teenager's online activity. Daily Times reported that the information came from abroad, while Minute Mirror said it arrived through an automated system.

According to preliminary findings cited by Minute Mirror, the student is a second-year student and the only son of his parents. Investigators allege that strained relations with his father led him to plan the harm.

A search of his home uncovered a small laboratory where he had been experimenting with chemicals, the NCCIA said. Daily Times reported that investigators believe some chemical materials were sourced from Australia and Islamabad. Minute Mirror quoted officials as saying the teenager had developed an interest in chemistry and was influenced by the crime drama Breaking Bad.

Officials allege that a first attempt to poison the father did not produce the intended effect. The teenager then consulted an artificial intelligence tool again for further guidance on harming his father and concealing the act, according to investigators. The specific chemicals and alleged method have not been disclosed.

A team conducted an operation in Bahawalpur and took the student into custody. Investigators are examining his digital activity, the home laboratory and other evidence, and the inquiry is continuing. The teenager has not been identified.

The case has renewed discussion about minors' unsupervised access to artificial intelligence and potentially harmful online content. Authorities and digital-safety experts have called for stronger safeguards, age-appropriate supervision and greater awareness of how emerging technologies can be misused.