Recording audio
The Attorney General for Pakistan stated in court that no entity, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), or Intelligence Bureau (IB), is authorized to record audio conversations. The Attorney General clarified the Prime Minister’s Office’s stance in a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court in the context of the audio leaks case.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the reports from FIA and PTA, directing the organizations to submit revised responses. Justice Babar Sattar of the high court emphasized that if the government fails to provide a satisfactory response, national and international amicus curiae might be appointed.
In the ongoing case related to leaked audio conversations, the Islamabad High Court heard the applications of former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar’s son and former first lady Bushra Bibi regarding the recording and leakage of their private phone calls.
The Attorney General affirmed that recording audio by any government organization, including ISI, FIA, or IB, is illegal. Justice Sattar commented on the ISI’s inability to trace the sources of leaked audio conversations and directed the FIA to resubmit its reply. If the government fails to identify the recorder, the court indicated its intent to appoint national and international judicial assistants.
The AGP’s report highlighted the Prime Minister’s Office’s position that no agency has the authority to record audio. The court requested a detailed report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) at the next hearing. The AGP mentioned that social media companies need to be contacted for a report, according to an ISI report. The court sought clarification on whether the Intelligence Bureau had been granted the authority to record, awaiting a response from the AGP.
The court emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation into the leaked audio and directed relevant authorities to provide comprehensive responses to address the concerns raised in the case.
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