The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has requested clarification from the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Awan, regarding the legality of surveillance over citizens’ phone calls. This directive was issued during the hearing of a petition filed by Najam Saqib, son of former chief justice Saqib Nisar. The case involves leaked audio in which Najam allegedly discusses political favors.
The IHC suspended the special committee’s request for Najam to appear before it but refrained from suspending its formation. The court questioned the right to privacy, the legal authorities responsible for call recording and surveillance, and the protocols to prevent such recordings’ misuse.
Justice Babar Sattar inquired about the legal regulations governing such surveillance and the appropriate authority responsible for privacy violations. The court has invited para-wise comments on the petition from all parties involved, including the National Assembly secretary, the federal government, the Ministry of Interior Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. Legal experts Aitzaz Ahsan, Makhdoom Ali Khan, Mian Raza Rabbani, and Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha have been selected to aid the court.