Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is under scrutiny following revelations about a surveillance system capable of monitoring millions of telephone calls simultaneously. Authorities have issued show-cause notices to PTA officials, seeking explanations regarding the system’s implementation, oversight mechanisms, and compliance with privacy regulations.
The system, designed to assist in national security and counterterrorism efforts, has raised concerns among civil rights organizations over potential infringement of citizens’ privacy and misuse of sensitive data. Legal experts noted that such large-scale surveillance requires clear regulatory frameworks and judicial oversight to prevent abuse.
Government representatives defended the system as a tool to combat crime and terrorism but acknowledged the need for enhanced transparency and accountability. Analysts suggest that the show-cause notices signal a push toward strengthening governance and ensuring that surveillance technologies operate within legal and ethical boundaries.
The development has sparked public debate on balancing national security priorities with fundamental privacy rights, highlighting the need for policy reforms and independen
