Islamabad High Court has sought assistance from the Attorney General regarding crucial questions related to the recording of citizens’ telephone conversations, audio leaks.
The High Court has directed the federal government, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, and PTI to form a team, issuing notices to all the teams, including the Secretary of the National Assembly.
A written order was also issued yesterday to suspend the hearing of the student’s petition in the special committee on the audio leak of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar’s son.
Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court has issued a seven-page written order, appointing Itzaz Ahsan, Mukhdoom Ali Khan, Mian Raza Rabbani, and Mohsin Shah Nawaz Ranjha as court assistants. The federal government, Ministry of Interior and Defense, PTI, and the Secretary of the Assembly have been asked to provide a response.
Court Inquires Whether Constitution and Civil Laws Allow Surveillance and Secret Recording of Citizens’ Calls. If Phone Recording is Allowed, Which Authority or Agency Can Conduct the Recording? What Safeguards Exist to Maintain the Confidentiality and Prevent Misuse of Audio Recordings? If Permission is Not Granted, Which Authority is Responsible for Violations of Citizens’ Privacy?
The court raised further questions regarding the authority responsible for violations of citizens’ privacy if recording without permission is not allowed. Who will be held accountable for the release of illegal call recordings? Can the Parliament inquire into the affairs of private individuals? Do the rules allow the formation of a special committee to investigate the leakage of conversations of private individuals recorded by the speaker?
In the remarks, the court stated that while demonstrating tolerance towards the respect of the Parliament, the notification for the formation of a special committee will not be delayed. The petitioner, Najam Al-Saqib, will continue to wait for the request from the special committee until the next hearing, scheduled for 25th May.