Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly endorsed phone tapping by security agencies, citing its necessity in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Asif’s remarks come amid intense debate and criticism from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Omer Ayub.
In an interview with a foreign media outlet, Asif emphasized the importance of phone tapping for national security, stating, “We are in a war against terrorism. I will support phone tapping in the current situation.” He also dismissed PTI’s objections as hypocritical, pointing out the party’s inconsistent stance on the matter.
Asif noted that when PTI had a favorable relationship with the establishment, they agreed to all legitimate and illegitimate moves. He implied that their current objections are politically motivated.
The federal government recently authorized the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to tap telephones for national security and crime prevention. The move has been controversial, with some arguing it violates citizens’ privacy.
However, Asif reiterated that phone tapping is crucial for combating terrorism and safeguarding national security. He urged critics to consider the broader implications of security measures in challenging times.
The Islamabad High Court had previously ruled that surveillance of citizens is illegal, and the prime minister and cabinet are responsible for mass surveillance. The court ordered the prime minister to submit a report on the Lawful Management System and directed telecom companies to submit reports on the Lawful Interception Management System.
