By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
A Comprehensive Surveillance System
Amnesty International has reported that Pakistan is carrying out mass surveillance on millions of its citizens through a dual system of phone tapping and internet censorship. The watchdog stated that Pakistan has built one of the most extensive state monitoring structures outside of China, using both Chinese and Western technology. According to Amnesty’s findings, this network has become central to the country’s efforts to silence dissent and restrict free speech.
Phone Tapping Through LIMS
At the core of the surveillance system is the Lawful Intercept Management System (LIMS). This mechanism allows authorities to monitor at least four million mobile phones simultaneously. All four major telecom operators have been directed to connect with LIMS, giving security agencies direct access to calls and text messages. While the exact scale of interception could be even larger, the system is already regarded as a powerful tool for surveillance.
Internet Censorship via WMS 2.0 Firewall
Working alongside LIMS is WMS 2.0, a Chinese-built internet firewall. This system inspects internet traffic and has the capacity to block or slow down around two million online sessions at once. Through WMS 2.0, platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X are routinely restricted, while around 650,000 web links are currently blocked across the country. The firewall allows authorities to curb the spread of information, particularly on social media, making it difficult for dissenting voices to reach wider audiences.
Human Rights Concerns
Amnesty International warned that mass surveillance creates a chilling effect in society. Citizens may refrain from expressing their opinions both online and offline out of fear of being monitored. The rights group highlighted that these controls have been particularly severe in Balochistan, where districts have faced years-long internet blackouts. Activists in Baloch and Pashtun communities have accused authorities of enforced disappearances and killings, allegations consistently denied by the state.
Legal and Political Context
The report also referred to a case before the Islamabad High Court in 2024, filed by Bushra Bibi, wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, after recordings of her private calls were leaked online. Although officials initially denied the existence of phone tapping facilities, the telecom regulator later admitted that operators were compelled to install LIMS for use by designated agencies. This contradiction raised questions about transparency and accountability within Pakistan’s institutions.
Global and Corporate Involvement
Amnesty revealed that the surveillance network relies on equipment and software from multiple international companies. The firewall was linked to Geedge Networks, a Chinese supplier, while US-based Niagara Networks and France’s Thales DIS were also cited as technology providers. Germany’s Utimaco supplied the tapping system, deployed via UAE-based Datafusion monitoring centers. Some companies claimed compliance with export regulations or denied misuse, while others declined to comment.
Expert Warnings on Freedom of Expression
Human rights experts have described Pakistan’s dual surveillance systems as troubling. Ben Wagner, Professor of Human Rights and Technology at IT:U in Austria, stressed that having both large-scale phone tapping and internet filtering reflects a growing threat to freedom of expression and privacy. As such tools become easier to adopt, rights groups fear greater restrictions could follow.