A file photo of President Asif Ali Zardari. PHOTO: AFP
Under the new law, intelligence and law enforcement agencies will now be able to tap phone calls, emails, SMS, internet communication and conduct human intelligence of any individual on suspicion of their involvement in terrorist activities. The evidence collected through such surveillance will also be admissible in a court of law, subject to issuance of prior surveillance warrants by a judge.
The bill, which was originally passed in December 2012, had triggered a controversy after certain quarters felt that the wire-tapping powers would threaten privacy and civil liberties.
However, the Senate unanimously passed the ordinance on February 1 despite objections from both the opposition as well as government allies.
Earlier, the bill had been contested by sections of the civil society that view this bill as a fundamental compromise on the civil liberties of Pakistani citizens.
The president also signed the Trade Organisation Bill 2012 today.
The bill aims to ensure appropriate representation of all genders at all levels in trade organisations.
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After all good move against RAW AND TTP
Civil rights? Since when are civil rights respected in Pakistan? The day there were mass murders of shias? Let's not go into civil rights because it is a known fact that no one in Pakistan has any. The government could have been tapping phones and accessing our private information without asking the court -- And the govt probably was. Why ask the court now? Who knows -- to make it seem like they're actually trying to reduce the terrorism in the country because if they really were - there wouldn't have been that many acquittals in cases that clearly required immediate action.
This is plain wrong.
as far as I am aware, prior to tapping/surveillance the authorities have to take permission from the courts, if the court feels it is just and valid.
Yes, I am agreed with ''Asad'', Operators already tap phone calls and texts.
Now we can listen to all the juicy gossips of politicians, armed forces and judges?
pakistan patriot act
"wire-tapping powers would threaten privacy and civil liberties"
Civil Liberties? What's that? Do we have any in this country?
... I thought they were already doing that!?!...
The bill will be misused. We all know that but if it helps to catch the terrorists, it is not a bad trade-off.
Good move..