- Rana Sanaullah suggests avoiding sensitive conversations amidst controversy over ISI’s new phone tapping authority.
- Government’s move to empower ISI for call interceptions sparks debate and criticism.
- PTI and HRCP express skepticism and legal challenges against the notification.
In response to the uproar surrounding the government’s recent decision to authorize ISI to intercept phone calls, Senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah has proposed a straightforward solution: individuals concerned about privacy should refrain from engaging in conversations that could be monitored.
Speaking on Geo News’ “Capital Talk,” Sanaullah addressed the controversy, stating, “If somebody is worried over their conversations being ‘heard,’ then they should not engage in such verbal exchanges to begin with.”
The controversy erupted after the PM Shehbaz Sharif-led government approved a circular allowing ISI officers to trace and intercept calls under Section 54 of the Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996. This move is part of broader efforts to enhance national security measures amid ongoing concerns.
However, the decision has faced significant opposition. PTI leader Salman Akram Raja criticized the move, emphasizing that such measures undermine constitutional rights to privacy and dignity. He asserted that unwarranted surveillance could lead to widespread insecurity and legal challenges.
Echoing these concerns, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) denounced the notification as unconstitutional. The HRCP highlighted potential abuses of power and urged the government to implement stringent checks and balances to safeguard citizens’ rights.
Amid mounting criticism, the notification empowering ISI to tap phone calls has been legally challenged in the Lahore High Court. The petition argues that the government’s action lacks proper legal framework and raises fundamental questions about privacy and constitutional rights.
The debate continues to evolve as stakeholders across political and civil society sectors voice their concerns over the implications of expanded surveillance powers granted to intelligence agencies.
