The caretaker government recently confirmed the legality of recording telephonic conversations of citizens, emphasizing its non-interference in intelligence agencies’ day-to-day operations. During the audio leak case hearing, Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, the caretaker principal secretary to the PM, submitted a comprehensive response, highlighting the government’s adherence to constitutional and legal boundaries for intelligence agencies.
While maintaining the confidentiality of operational details, the response cited the Investigation for Fair Trial Act 2013, outlining the framework for recording citizens’ conversations and emphasizing the need for preventing leaks. Additionally, the Telegraph Act of 1885 was referenced, emphasizing the necessity of government permission for intercepting messages.
In response to the audio leaks case, a high-level inquiry commission, including senior judges, was established to investigate the authenticity of the leaked conversations. Notably, individuals such as the wife of ex-PM Imran Khan and the son of former chief justice Saqib Nisar approached the court against summonses from the Federal Investigation Agency and a parliamentary committee regarding the audio leaks.
