Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan clarified to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the government had not authorized any intelligence agencies to record audio conversations.
The statement was made during the hearing of a petition filed by Bushra Bibi, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s spouse, concerning a leaked audio allegedly featuring her and PTI leader Latif Khosa.
The case originated when Bushra Bibi approached the IHC on December 6, alleging that the recording violated her constitutional rights to dignity and privacy. The matter was brought forth through Khosa, who named several high-ranking officials as respondents. At a previous hearing, IHC’s Justice Babar Sattar had requested reports from various intelligence and regulatory bodies regarding the leak.
Court Proceedings and Responses
During the hearing, AGP Awan presented a report from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stating that agencies like the ISI, FIA, and IB were not permitted to record conversations. The FIA was instructed to investigate the source of the recording, while the ISI highlighted the need for cooperation from social media platforms. Meanwhile, Pemra’s counsel informed the court of existing prohibitions against broadcasting private audio leaks on TV channels, and Justice Sattar inquired about Pemra’s effectiveness as a regulator.
AGP Awan was also tasked to verify claims about the Intelligence Bureau’s (IB) authorization to record conversations. Justice Sattar emphasized the need for a balance between freedom of expression and privacy, indicating the state’s responsibility in this regard.
The judge instructed further reports from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority and reiterated the court’s commitment to addressing the issue seriously. The hearing was adjourned with the expectation that the government would provide comprehensive information.
The leaked audio clip, which gained attention on social media, allegedly features Bushra Bibi discussing legal matters and personal family issues with her lawyer. The conversation also touched on her concerns about the safety of her husband, Imran Khan, while in custody. This leak has raised significant questions about privacy and the misuse of personal conversations in the public domain.
