ISLAMABAD: The federal government has authorized Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to intercept and track communications in cases involving national security threats.
As per private media report, The federal cabinet has approved the relevant circular, permitting a designated ISI officer to trace calls under Section 54 of the Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996. However, the nominated officer must be at least of grade 18, reports said.
The aforementioned section of the Telecommunications Act permits the federal government to authorize any individual or individuals to intercept calls and messages or to trace calls via any telecommunication system in the interest of national security.
It also states that the government will have preference and priority in the telecommunication system over any licensee for the defense or security of the country against any foreign aggression.
“The federal government, in the interest of national security and the apprehension of any offence, is pleased to authorize the officers […] to be nominated from time to time by ISI to intercept calls and messages or to trace calls through any communication system,” read the notification issued by the Ministry of Information.
The move comes amid Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government’s steps towards stricter social media regulations, citing national security concerns, and the prevailing ban on the popular social media platform X.
In May, PM Shehbaz approved a draft to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, proposing the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority.
Moreover, the government is installing a national firewall on various internet service providers (ISPs) to control social media with filters capable of blocking unwanted content from reaching a wider audience.
