Pakistan Grants ISI Authority to Monitor Citizens’ Phone Calls

Islamabad (Azadi Times July 9, 2024) – Pakistan’s federal government has recently authorized the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency to monitor citizens’ phone calls, a move aimed at bolstering national security measures amidst concerns of potential criminal activities.

According to media reports, the government’s decision allows the ISI to listen in on and potentially trace phone conversations as well as intercept messages, underlining the administration’s proactive stance on safeguarding public safety.

The decision, ratified through a cabinet circulation summary, underscores the government’s commitment to utilizing legal frameworks such as the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Act of 1996, Section 54. This enables authorized agencies to monitor and record communications deemed suspicious or potentially harmful, both through landline exchanges and mobile networks.

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Critics argue that such measures may raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties, prompting debates on the balance between security imperatives and individual rights. As Pakistan navigates these complex dynamics, the authorization represents a significant development in its national security strategy, signaling heightened vigilance in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.