Islamabad High Court scrutinizes PTA over phone tapping allegations

During a recent petition hearing at the Islamabad High Court, issues regarding phone tapping and unauthorized audio leaks came to light. The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and its Board members are under scrutiny for potentially facing a contempt of court notice due to allegations of facilitating phone call tapping.

Justice Babar Sattar highlighted the lack of a legal framework for phone tapping, labeling current practices as illegal without proper regulations. The court has requested the presentation of cabinet meeting minutes to review the surveillance policy. The Attorney General explained that authorized officers from intelligence agencies can request data under a policy from 2013.

Questions were raised about the legitimacy of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Ministry of Interior's authority to issue such documents. The court also inquired about the functions of the PTA, with the PTA clarifying that it does not conduct phone tapping.

Telecom companies' lawyers were questioned about data transmission practices, with emphasis on the need for a clear regulatory framework governing surveillance activities. The hearing highlighted the legal complexities surrounding phone tapping and data sharing practices, stressing the importance of establishing proper regulations.

The hearing at the Islamabad High Court brought attention to the challenges posed by unauthorized phone tapping and the necessity for a comprehensive regulatory framework. It underscored the importance of protecting citizens' privacy rights while ensuring that surveillance activities are conducted within the bounds of the law.