Opposition parties have criticised the notification, calling it a “black law.” Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), argued that “national security” lacks a clear definition and could be broadly interpreted
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Defense, Khawaja Asif, has expressed support for the government’s decision to grant the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s premier spy agency, the authority to intercept phone calls. He emphasised that this measure is necessary “under the current circumstances” as the country works to eliminate militant violence.
In a recent notification, Pakistan’s information technology ministry stated that the government had authorized the ISI to tap phone calls and messages “in the interest of national security.” This move further increases the powers of the already influential military agency.
Opposition parties have criticized the notification, calling it a “black law.” Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), argued that “national security” lacks a clear definition and could be broadly interpreted.
“In matters of national security, this measure becomes necessary and should be supported by everyone,” Minister Asif said during a conversation with Independent Urdu. “At the very least, during the ongoing war against terrorism, this action is essential. I fully support it under the current circumstances.”
Asif dismissed the opposition’s criticism, reminding PTI members of Imran Khan’s previous stance on phone tapping during his tenure. “Previously, they themselves advocated for phone tapping, both theirs and others’, and happily said it should be done,” he added.
Barrister Gohar Khan, a PTI chairman, told Independent Urdu that the constitution guarantees the privacy of all citizens, stating that only individuals involved in criminal activities should be subjected to surveillance. “Such a blanket notification violates the constitution,” he said. When asked about Khan’s support for phone tapping while in power, the PTI leader responded, “Whatever it is, it should be according to the constitution.”
Meanwhile, a petitioner has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) to challenge the federal government’s decision to empower the ISI to conduct surveillance of citizens’ phone calls. Citizen Fahad Shabbir filed the petition through Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, naming the prime minister, the federal government, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) among others as respondents.
The petitioner argued that the government’s notification allowing the ISI to tap phones was issued under Section 56 of the PTA Act, which lacks established rules. He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees citizens’ privacy and freedom of expression.
The petitioner requested the court to declare the notification illegal and to suspend its implementation until a final decision is made. Additionally, he urged the government to establish rules for Section 56 of the PTA Act.
