Islamabad: The Pakistani government has granted the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a secretive military intelligence agency, authority to intercept phone calls and messages, citing “national security interests” and concerns over crimes.
According to a report by BBC, an official from the Cabinet Division confirmed the new directive, stating that formal notification has been issued. The decision empowers ISI officers under Section 54 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996.
The notification specified that this decision was made in the interest of national security and to address criminal threats. It further outlined that officers of grade 18 or above from the secretive agency will be nominated to record or listen to calls.
This move by the Pakistan government comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings in the Islamabad High Court involving Bushra Bibi, the former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife, who has disclosed conversations with her lawyer. During these proceedings, it was revealed that telecommunications companies in Pakistan provide data to secretive agencies through a specific system called “Lawful Intercept Management System,” potentially affecting around two percent (approximately 4 million) users.
The court’s directive highlighted that telecom companies operating in the country have provided access to Pakistani intelligence agencies to phone calls, messages, and other data through the “Lawful Intercept Management System.”
The unfolding situation underscores growing concerns over privacy and the extent of state surveillance in Pakistan.
Pakistan Government Grants ISI Authority to Intercept Calls and Messages
