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PM Shehbaz, earlier in May, had also approved a draft to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which suggested the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority. (Image: Reuters)
Pakistan government issues order empowering ISI to intercept calls in the interest of national security, sparking controversy
Pakistan’s government has granted the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) the power to intercept and trace calls under the guise of national security, raising concerns about unlimited authority for the spy agency.
The directive permits ISI personnel to monitor communications on various telecommunication systems following a notification issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
The government’s authorisation, in the interest of national security, allows ISI officers to intercept and trace calls through any telecommunication system, prioritising national defence and security against foreign threats.
This controversial decision, following a court ruling denying such powers initially, has sparked criticism from opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for potentially undermining democratic principles.
The move has been condemned by critics as an illegal act sanctioned by the current government, which could create challenges for future civilian administrations in Pakistan.
Granting extensive powers to the ISI without proper oversight is seen as a threat to democratic governance and could lead to further control by the military and intelligence agencies.
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