IHC suspends summon notice to Najam Saqib in audio leak case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday issued a written verdict suspending the summon notice to former chief justice Saqib Nisar’s son to appear before the special committee on audio leaks till the next hearing, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

IHC judge Justice Babar Sattar issued the seven-page written verdict, seeking assistance from the attorney general on recordings and audio leaks of private individuals’ telephonic conversations.

The court also directed to make the federal government, interior ministry, defence ministry and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) respondents in the petition.

Notices were issued to all the respondents including the National Assembly secretary in the petition.

The court also directed to submit parawise comments on the petition. It appointed Aitzaz Ahsan, Makhdoom Ali Khan, Mian Raza Rabbani and Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha as judicial assistants.

“Does the Constitution and law allow surveillance and secret recording of citizens’ calls? If phone recording is allowed, which authority or agency can do the recording under which mechanism?” the court questioned.

“What safeguards are in place to keep audio recordings confidential and prevent misuse? If audio recordings are not permitted, which authority is responsible for the violation of citizens’ privacy?” the court questioned further.

“Who will be responsible for leaking the calls recorded illegally? Can the Parliament inquire into a private person’s matter? Do the rules allow the Speaker to set up a special committee on audio leaks of private individuals’ conversations?” it added.

“Showing restraint in deference to the Parliament, the notification regarding the formation of the special committee is not being suspended. Petitioner Najam Saqib’s summon notice issued by the special committee will remain suspended until the next hearing,” the court ruled.

 

Reporter: Ehtisham Kiyani