Federal Government Permits ISI to Intercept Calls for National Security

ISLAMABAD – The federal government has granted the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency the authority to intercept and trace calls and messages in cases related to national security, according to sources familiar with the development on Tuesday.

Federal Government Grants ISI to Intercept Calls for National Security

This decision, made during a recent federal cabinet meeting, involves the implementation of Section 54 of the Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996. This section allows designated ISI officers, with a minimum rank of grade 18, to conduct such activities.

A notification issued by the federal government states, “In its efforts to safeguard national security and prevent offenses, the federal government has authorized ISI officers, nominated periodically, to intercept calls and trace messages through communication systems.”

The Telecommunications Act empowers the government to authorize individuals to intercept or trace communications for national security reasons, emphasizing the priority of national defense and security against foreign threats.