Intelligence Security Measures on Phone Calls in Pakistan

By Mahvish Akhtar

The federal cabinet has approved the relevant circular, allowing a designated officer of the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) to trace calls under Section 54 of the Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act of 1996. However, the sources added that the agency’s nominated officer cannot be less than grade 18.

The Interior Ministry approved a nationwide deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers for security purposes during Muharram (the sacred Islamic month). The ministry order said that approval followed the requests of all provincial governments, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It added that the federal government authorized the deployment of army troops and civil armed forces under sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, for Muharram security duties in aid of civil power.

It was also decided that the decision to shut down the internet and mobile phones would be taken in consultation with the respective provinces in the context of security concerns. According to Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, “Citizens face problems due to internet or mobile phone outages,” a decision must be made according to the ground facts and security situation.

Pakistan PM ordered the preparation of advance plans for rallies and gatherings because of rains while instructing strict checking at entry and exit routes. Naqvi said that processions and gatherings should be monitored through cameras, and the code of conduct should be enforced.

This decision appears to be a part of the government’s efforts to tighten the noose on social media platforms as the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) used them to approach its supporters despite the narrowing of space on the traditional media. There’s no denying that even though the PTI chairman is in jail, his celebrity status has not been affected. With so many other threats looming from outside and around the border, this government cannot afford to take any chances or get distracted on any front.

PTI and Muharram are not the only reasons for yet another anti-terrorist operation. Afghanistan’s support of TTP is the main reason for these safety measures. Islamabad must deal with some other imminent security threats but cannot openly admit them. Express Tribune’s trusted sources have confirmed that the plans for the hydropower stations are expected to be announced in the 2024/2025 federal budget that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will unveil on July 23rd.

India also has an ally in Russia, which is selling Russian oil to India at discounted prices. India also seeks support for a permanent seat on the UN General Assembly Security Council. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a press conference Tuesday that while Moscow supports India gaining a seat on the Security Council, it will need a near-unanimous vote. This means India will work hard in Central Asia to gain support and win allies.

This order has not won the Pakistan government any allies within the country either. The already polarized political arena is further divided on this issue. National Assembly Member Omar Ayub Khan announced PTI’s intention to challenge this notification in court.

A spokesperson for Islamabad Capital Territory Police said on Thursday that AIG Operations would supervise the social media monitoring cell and act against those involved in spreading hatred. This monitoring cell is being established to curb hatemongering during Muharram (a sacred month in the Islamic Calendar).

Meanwhile, on July 6th, the Sindh government banned 143 Islamic Scholars and speakers for 60 days as part of its security measures.