National security, apprehension of offence: Govt allows spy agency to trace, intercept calls, messages

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Monday authorised the Inter-Services Inteligence Agency to intercept calls and message or trace a call in the interest of national security or in apprehension of a crime.

According to sources, the cabinet approved the summary through circulation. The gazette notification (S.R.O 1005(I)/2024 said, “In exercise of the powers conferred under section 54 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996 (the Act), the Federal Government in the interest of national security and in the apprehension of any offence, is pleased to authorize the officers not below the rank of grade 18 to be nominated from time to time by Inter-Services Intelligence (IS!) to intercept calls and messages or to trace calls through any telecommunication system as envisaged under Section 54 of the Act.”

Following is the text of the sections

54. National Security.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, in the interest of national security or in the apprehension of any offence, the Federal Government may authorize any person or persons to intercept calls and messages or to trace calls through any telecommunication system.

(2) During a war or hostilities against Pakistan by any foreign power or internal aggression or for the defense or security of Pakistan, the Federal Government shall have preference and priority in telecommunication system over any licensee.

(3) Upon proclamation of emergency by the President, the Federal Government may suspend or modify all or any order or licences made or issued under this Act or cause suspension of operation, functions or services of any licensee for such time as it may deem necessary.

Provided that the Federal Government may compensate any licensee whose facilities or services are affected by any action under this sub-section.