Pakistan Gives Intelligence Agency Power to Tap Phone Calls, Messages

Pakistan has given its military-run spy agency the power to intercept phone calls and messages, strengthening its central role in the country’s politics, as opposition politicians and social media users raise concerns about potential abuse or privacy violations.

A powerful military in a country that has been ruled by the military for nearly half its independence can make or break governments in Pakistan, and the new powers for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency have raised widespread concern.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told parliament that the Information Technology and Telecommunications Ministry had been informed of the changes in a notification on July 8.

“Anyone who misuses the law will face action,” Tarar said on Tuesday, according to Reuters, July 10.

He said the measures would be limited to tracking criminal and terrorist activities, with the government ensuring that they do not violate people’s lives and privacy.

“The federal government, in the interest of national security and in the prevention of any violation, is pleased to authorize officers to intercept calls and messages or track calls through any telecommunication system,” the notification said, seen by Reuters.

The move was opposed in parliament by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Khan has previously supported ISI surveillance of politicians’ phone calls, or even his own, without legal authorization.

A party leader, Omar Ayub Khan, said the agency was likely to use its powers even against lawmakers, vowing that his party would file a lawsuit.

"Is what is "legal" also constitutional or correct?" Farieha Aziz of the human rights advocacy group Bolo Bhi asked on social media X.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Army Public Relations Wing declined to comment.

The Ministry of Information did not respond to a request for comment on whether the legal permission could lead to privacy violations and misuse for political purposes.