Govt Grants ISI Powers to Monitor Calls and Messages

The federal government has approved a move allowing the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to intercept and trace calls and messages to prevent threats to national security, local media outlet, Geo News reported on Tuesday.

The federal cabinet has approved a circular enabling a designated ISI officer, not below grade 18, to trace calls under Section 54 of the Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996.

This section of the Act permits the federal government to authorize individuals to intercept or trace calls through any telecommunication system for national security purposes. It also prioritizes government use of the telecommunication system for the country’s defense and security.

“The federal government, in the interest of national security and to prevent any offence, authorizes ISI officers to intercept calls and messages or trace calls through any communication system,” stated the notification issued by the Ministry of Information on Monday.