The federal authorities of Pakistan have given the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) company powers to monitor cellphone calls and messages of residents for countrywide security. Allows ISI Calls This selection was announced on July 8, and it has triggered alarm amongst competition leaders and social activists who see it as violating citizens’ constitutional rights.
Legal Basis for the Decision Allows ISI Calls
Section 54/1 of the Telecommunication Act 1996 provides that the federal government may order the interception and tracing. Or recording of a call made through a telecommunications system if necessary for national security or any other related crime.
Designated Officers and Previous Incidents Allow ISI Calls
The government stated that officials designated for this task should always be of grade 18 or above. In their claims, Former Prime M First Ladies, Federal Ministers, and top-ranking officials have attributed these leaked telephone conversations to themselves. There is an ongoing suit in which Islamabad High Court hears Imran Khan’s Bushra Bibi. Who was involved in an alleged leaked conversation with her lawyer.
Telecom Companies and Data Provision
The court order states that these telecoms allow intelligence agencies access to phone calls, messages, and other data. This system accounts for about 2% (approximately four million) of users.
Government and PTPTA’sole Allows ISI Calls
Additionally, Pakistani government bodies, as well as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, informed the Court that they did not know surveillance permissions given to any agency. Including the Lawful Intercept Management System, prying into people’s lives.
Defense of the Decision
ISISI’suthority and National Security
The Pakistan Telecommunication Act 1996, enacted 28 years ago, empowers the country’s spying intelligence agency. Officers above grade eighteen access and maintain a registered list to ensure national security and prevent crime
Historical Cases and Notification Practices
He stressed that cases such as the assassinations of Benazir Bhutto and DIG Mobin of Lahore were solved through phone tapping and geofencing. The authorities periodically issue notifications to authorize agencies and their officers according to the law.
Restricted Powers to Prevent Misuse Allows ISI Calls
According to Azam Nazir Tarar, the government restricted these powers to the ISI alone to avoid extending them to the other 50 agencies. Which might have been problematic.
He pointed out that ISI designated officers above grade eighteen and assigned them defined areas to measure accountability against abuse.
The Minister explained that the government’s summary to his ministry emphasized maintaining personal life and privacy while implementing measures against those who misuse the law.
“I” has existed for the past 28 years. It is not a new practice, as similar laws exist in other countries, stated Azam Nazir Tarar. The ‘Telecom Lawful Interception of Communication Regulation ‘enacted by the UK is an example where he pointed out that such laws have become global.
