Islamabad: A mass surveillance system capable of monitoring millions of citizens’ telephone calls has reportedly been installed in Pakistan without proper legal authorization, raising serious concerns about privacy and civil liberties. The system, intended to support national security and counterterrorism efforts, has come under scrutiny for operating outside established legal frameworks.
Civil rights groups and legal experts have criticized the deployment, warning that such unregulated surveillance could lead to abuse, political targeting, and violations of constitutional rights. They emphasized the urgent need for legislation, judicial oversight, and transparency to prevent misuse of sensitive data.
Government officials have defended the system as a necessary measure to combat criminal networks and terrorism but acknowledged that regulatory clarity and accountability mechanisms are required. Analysts note that the controversy highlights the tension between security imperatives and citizens’ privacy, underscoring the importance of legal safeguards in the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies.
The issue has sparked calls for parliamentary review and independent audits to ensure the system operates within the bounds of law and public interest.
