Law doesn’t allow everyone to engage in phone-tapping: CB

The Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by a seven-member constitutional bench, has adjourned a hearing on the legality of phone tapping in the country after raising concerns over existing laws.

The bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, issued notices to the Attorney Generals in the case.

During the hearing, Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar asked whether any specific legislation had been enacted regarding phone tapping.

In response, the Additional Attorney General confirmed that a law had been in place since 2013, detailing procedures for phone tapping and judicial oversight.

Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar remarked that, according to the law, phone tapping can only be authorised by a judge, and questioned whether any judge had been notified for this purpose.

Meanwhile, Justice Jamal Mandokhel stated that the law regarding phone tapping is ambiguous.

The Chief Justice of the Constitutional Bench, Justice Ameenuddin Khan, then remarked that the focus should not be on reports or the law itself, but rather on the outcomes.

The Additional Attorney General stated that he was unaware of the judge's nomination for this matter.

Justice Jamal Mandokhel further noted that this case could have significant implications for several pending cases, adding that the matter had originated from the Chief Justice’s chamber. He questioned what steps the Chief Justice would take in this situation.

Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar also pointed out that the law does not permit everyone to engage in phone tapping.

The case, which began with the Chief Justice's chamber, is now expected to have implications for several pending cases. The bench issued notices to the Attorney Generals and adjourned the case for further proceedings.