The Lahore High Court (LHC) has received a petition challenging the federal government’s recent notification authorizing the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to intercept and trace phone calls and messages, citing concerns over national security threats.
On Tuesday, the federal government mandated the ISI to monitor communications amidst perceived threats to national security, prompting citizen Fahad Shabbir to file a petition through Advocate Nadeem Sarwar. The respondents named in the petition include the Prime Minister, the federal government, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The petition argues that the government’s notification, issued under Section 54 of the PTA Act 1996, lacks supporting rules necessary for implementation. It contends that such interception violates citizens’ constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of speech.
Fahad Shabbir’s plea requests the court to declare the notification allowing ISI and other agencies to intercept and record communications as illegal. Pending a final verdict, the petitioner seeks an annulment of the notification and urges the government to revise the rules under Section 54 of the PTA Act.
Advocate Nadeem Sarwar emphasized that the constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to privacy and freedom of expression, which are compromised by unauthorized phone tapping.
The case has raised significant legal and constitutional concerns regarding surveillance practices and governmental authority, prompting a closer examination by the Lahore High Court. The outcome of this legal challenge could potentially impact future policies regarding surveillance and privacy rights in Pakistan.
