ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has defended the federal cabinet’s decision to grant call tracing authority to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), citing its longstanding use for counter-terrorism and national security purposes.
Addressing on the floor of the National Assembly, Tarar said that the authorization of call tracing under Section 54 of the Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996 is not unprecedented and has been in effect for 28 years.
According to local media reports, the federal cabinet approved a circular allowing designated ISI officers of grade 18 or higher to intercept and trace calls.
“The federal government in the interest of national security and in the apprehension of any offence is pleased to authorise the officers to be nominated from time to time by ISI to intercept calls and messages or to trace calls through any communication system,” stated a notification issued by the Ministry of Information on Tuesday.
The move comes amid efforts by the Shehbaz Sharif government to tighten social media regulations, including the recent ban on X platform, citing national security concerns.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, aiming to establish a Digital Rights Protection Authority and implement a national firewall to filter undesirable content.
Critics have raised concerns about privacy and misuse of these powers, but Tarar stressed that such provisions have existed since 1996 and are essential for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat serious crimes, including terrorism.
He assured that the government remains committed to upholding constitutional freedoms while safeguarding national security interests.
