Emails, SMSs, Phone Calls and All Private Communication to be Intercepted to Track Terrorists

‘Fair Trial bill’, a draft that has been approved by federal cabinet and is likely to be tabled in parliament, will authorize the state to intercept all private communications of citizens to catch terrorists.

This private communication includes, and is not limited to, Emails, text messages, phone calls, audio and visual tapes or anything that the law enforcement agencies will consider necessary.

The bill, which government of Pakistan argues will allow investigation “by modern techniques and devices”, if passed in current shape will pose serious threats to citizens’ privacy.

If passed by parliament, the bill will enable phone calls, text messages, emails and other private communication as admissible evidence while suspects will be held for six months after a warrant issued by a sessions and district court judge in his chambers.

After the approval of Fair Trial Bill, state agencies that are known for bypassing the regulations, will be able to intrude into anyone’s private communication.

It is largely feared that privacy of all Pakistani, whether they are present in Pakistan or if they are anywhere in the world, will be impacted to a level that the concept of private communication will fade away.

As she said: Democracy is the best revenge!

For further reading: The Dawn, Business Recorder, Express Tribune

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