(Web Desk Monitoring) — The federal government has stopped telecommunication companies (Telcos) to share any information regarding the tapped phone calls.

According to the local media, the government has implemented a strict prohibition on telecommunication companies from disclosing any sensitive information regarding lawful interceptions carried out by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom operators.

This measure aims to uphold the confidentiality of operations related to lawful interceptions. Initially proposed by the IT & Telecom Division, the ban received approval from the federal cabinet, as reported by local media on Thursday.

During a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was stressed that maintaining confidentiality in all communications and information regarding lawful interceptions is imperative. Consequently, the cabinet endorsed policy directives mandating that the PTA ensures no unauthorized individuals gain access to information about lawful interceptions. Additionally, the telecom regulator is tasked with issuing new instructions to local operators and service providers to enforce these directives effectively.

Under these new policy directives, the PTA is granted authority to oversee interception requests in accordance with the law. The approval of the federal cabinet, as required by the Rules of Business, 1973, was secured for these policy directives, ensuring the strict confidentiality of all lawful interception information.