The Islamabad High Court (IHC) expressed shock at the inability of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to trace the source of recent audio leaks.
Justice Babar Sattar highlighted this concern in a detailed seven-page order, which was issued following petitions by Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI leader Imran Khan, and Najam Us Saqib, son of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar. Both parties had their private conversations leaked and went viral on social media.
During the court proceedings, Attorney General Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan informed the IHC that no agency is authorized to intercept or record telephone calls, emphasizing the right to privacy. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has contacted social media platforms to identify the origins of these leaked calls.
The IHC has given the FIA a three-week deadline to report on how calls can be recorded in Pakistan and has summoned the FIA chief for the next hearing. Additionally, the Intelligence Bureau has been tasked with investigating the social media accounts distributing these calls.
Broader Implications and Media’s Role
The IHC’s order noted the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) statement that no one is authorized for Lawful Intercepts (LI) and sought detailed reports from mobile and fixed-line service providers about LI practices.
The court also directed media associations and senior journalists to provide insights on the legality and ethical considerations of broadcasting illegally recorded private conversations. This case raises significant questions about electronic surveillance, media responsibility, and protecting individual rights versus public interest. The hearing is adjourned until February 19, 2024.
