Secret Audio recordings of then PM Imran Khan which were leaked by GHQ shows that there's unprecedented power given to Generals with no accountability or check n' balance in place. Those inter-pass sitting in GHQ literally had no idea the damage they were doing to their own country in terms of national security, governance, and international relations.
Moreover, it has been
reported many times that Pakistani intelligence agencies are using Israeli-based spywares made by a an Israeli cyber security firm called 'Cellebrite'.
Using it on one's own citizens, especially without proper legal and ethical frameworks which still doesn't exist, have several risen serious ramifications:
- Violation of Privacy Rights: One of the most immediate and obvious consequences is the infringement of a Pakistani citizen's privacy rights. Unwarranted surveillance have lead to unauthorized collection of personal data, breaching right to privacy guaranteed by constitution of Pakistan and international human rights laws.
- Erosion of Trust in Government: When citizens found out that their govt (+ establishment) is spying on them, it has lead to a significant erosion of trust in public institutions. This distrust undermined the legitimacy of government and its ability to govern effectively.
- Chilling Effect on Free Speech and Expression: Knowledge of government surveillance have lead to self-censorship among Pakistani citizens. Fearing repercussions, many have avoided expressing dissenting opinions or engaging in legitimate political activities, thus undermining democratic freedoms and civic engagement.
- Potential for Abuse and Political Manipulation: Spyware are mainly used to target political opponents, activists, journalists, and other groups critical of the establishment. This has lead to a concentration of power, political repression, and the stifling of democratic opposition.
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: Use of such technology raised legal questions, including whether government or the ones controlling this puppet government has overstepped its bounds and violated constitutional protections. Ethically, it poses questions about the balance between national security interests and individual rights.
- International Condemnation and Isolation: Countries found to be engaging in such practices must face international condemnation. This should lead to strained diplomatic relations, economic sanctions, and a negative impact on the country's global standing.
- Security Risks: The tools themselves are a security risk. If spyware falls into the wrong hands or is used by unauthorized individuals like in Pakistan, it leads to data breaches and compromises in national security.
- Economic Impact: Overreaching surveillance have impacted business environment, particularly in sectors that relied on confidentiality and data security. It has also deterred foreign investment and stifled innovation, especially in technology-related industries.
While government may use such spyware for national security purposes or extremely sensitive nature of work, however its use on citizens without robust legal frameworks and oversight have lead to significant negative consequences for individual Pakistani's rights, their democratic institutions, national integrity, and international relations. Hope our inter-pass generals can find some sense in all of this and back off.
