Islamabad: According to the news, the federal government has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court challenging the Islamabad High Court’s ruling on the alleged audio leak case involving Bushra Bibi and the son of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar.
The appeal includes the former Chief Justice’s son, PTA, Ministry of Defense, and others as respondents. The government contends that the IHC’s decision is not supported by facts and granted relief that was not requested.
It argues that the IHC exceeded its jurisdiction by initiating suo motu proceedings under Article 199, thus urging the Supreme Court to nullify the high court’s decision. The federal government highlighted that when allegations arose about an audio leak related to ticket distribution, the National Assembly Speaker took notice and established a committee.
Moreover, the former Chief Justice’s son contested the committee’s summons in the IHC. The government asserts that the IHC’s request for reports from various institutions exceeds its authority and that the high court is not empowered to conduct factual inquiries.
Previously, the IHC ruled that any form of citizen surveillance is unconstitutional and illegal, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to clarify responsibility for mass surveillance.
Justice Babar Sattar of the IHC issued a written order on the petition filed by Bushra Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, and Najamus Saqib, son of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, regarding the audio leaks.
Justice Sattar stated in the order that the federal government is accountable for monitoring four million citizens, holding PM Shehbaz and his cabinet members collectively and individually responsible for the surveillance.
Furthermore, the IHC directed the Prime Minister to submit a report within six weeks outlining the legal framework governing the surveillance system’s operations in compliance with the law and constitution.
Additionally, the Prime Minister was instructed to clarify who authorized the installation of the surveillance system and who is overseeing its operation, which impacts citizens’ privacy.
Meanwhile, the IHC issued a contempt of court notice to the Chairman and members of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), directing them to respond within six weeks. The court criticized the PTA for allegedly misinterpreting details about the surveillance system in its report.
