00:00Did you know that millions of Pakistanis are being watched?
00:05Every call, every text, every click.
00:09According to Amnesty International's latest report, Pakistan has built one of the most
00:15powerful mass surveillance and censorship systems in the world.
00:20Today we will uncover how this system works, who is behind it and why it matters to every
00:27citizen, including you.
00:31What is happening?
00:32Amnesty reports that at least four million phones are under surveillance through a system
00:40called the Lawful Intercept Management System, in simple words LIMS.
00:47Meanwhile, a second system, the Web Monitoring System 2.0, filters and blocks over two million
00:56internet sessions at once.
00:58This means calls, texts, social media and even the websites we visit could all be monitored.
01:08How does it work?
01:10LIMS is installed across Pakistan's telecom networks.
01:16It can listen to calls, read SMS messages and even check our browsing habits.
01:23WMS 2.0 is like a massive firewall.
01:28It blocks apps, websites and even VPNs if authorities decide something is unlawful.
01:36And there is the catch.
01:38These systems are not built in Pakistan alone.
01:42These companies come from Chinese, European, Emirati and even North American companies.
01:49In other words, foreign companies are helping Pakistan build its surveillance machine.
01:57Legal Gray Area Pakistan's constitution promises the right to privacy and free expression.
02:04But under the prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, known as PICA, the government has wide
02:11powers to monitor digital communications.
02:15The problem?
02:16There is little transparency, no proper judicial oversight and many surveillance actions happen
02:22secretly, without warrants.
02:25So while the government calls it lawful, rights groups say it's often unlawful mass surveillance.
02:34Who is targeted?
02:37This is not just about criminals or terrorists.
02:40Journalists, activists, political opponents and ordinary citizens can be monitored.
02:47For example, recently in Balochistan, internet shutdowns and strict monitoring are common.
02:54Think about it.
02:55If you post a critical tweet or share a political opinion, chances are it could be flagged or watched.
03:04Justifications vs. Concerns
03:07Supporters of surveillance say it's necessary for national security.
03:12It helps stop terrorism, cyber crime and misinformation.
03:17But, critics again.
03:19Its tool is to silence, dissent and crush free speech.
03:24It creates fear, making people self-censored.
03:28And it risks abuse since there is almost no oversight.
03:35Why it matters?
03:36This is a question.
03:38This issue is bigger than privacy.
03:41It affects Pakistan's democracy.
03:44It weakens free press and civil rights.
03:48And it puts Pakistan's international reputation at risk.
03:52If people can't speak freely without fear of surveillance, can a democracy truly function?
04:00What can be done?
04:02Strong data protection laws.
04:05Independent oversight bodies to check surveillance.
04:08Greater transparency on when and why surveillance is used.
04:13And citizens need to be aware of their digital rights.
04:16In the end, mass surveillance is not just about technology.
04:22It's about power.
04:23Who holds that power and how they use it.
04:27Decides the future of freedom in Pakistan.
04:29So, what do you think?
04:31Is surveillance necessary for safety or is it a threat to democracy?
04:36Let us know in the comments and don't forget to like, share and subscribe for more deep dives.
04:42See you in the next video.
04:43Take care.
