Islamabad, Pakistan (Agencies): Recent reports of police stopping commuters and inspecting their mobile phones in Islamabad have sparked concerns about potential privacy violations.
Complaints indicate that officers have been accessing WhatsApp messages, social media accounts, and other private data without clear justification, raising alarms over excessive use of state authority.
Incidents reported over the past week include:
- December 1, 2024: A commuter traveling from I-8 to I-10 alleged police accessed their WhatsApp and Facebook accounts.
- December 2, 2024: Near G-11, a staff of INGO phone was reportedly searched, including their WhatsApp and social media apps.
- December 3, 2024: A family traveling at the Margalla Avenue F10-F11 junction claimed officers reviewed their phones and social media.
- December 3, 2024: A resident near F-6 Markaz reported that police examined photos and social media accounts on their phone.
- December 4, 2024: Near F-11 Markaz, a commuter said police accessed their phone’s private groups and messages.
These incidents have prompted concerns about infringements on constitutional rights.
Under Article 14 of Pakistan’s Constitution, the right to privacy is a fundamental guarantee, protecting individuals’ personal data and communications.
Additionally, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) prohibits unauthorized access to personal information without proper legal authority.
Civil society groups and legal experts have urged citizens to be aware of their rights, limit sensitive data on their phones, and report such incidents to relevant authorities and the media.
Calls have been made for Islamabad’s police leadership to address these grievances and ensure that law enforcement practices align with constitutional protections and legal boundaries.