Amnesty International has accused Pakistani authorities of running mass surveillance systems capable of monitoring millions of people. The findings were published in a new report in September 2025.
The report, titled “Shadows of Control”, claims the surveillance is carried out with the help of both Chinese and Western technology. Amnesty states the systems are being used to silence government critics, restrict free speech, and monitor opposition voices.
Surveillance Systems in Focus
According to Amnesty, two major tools are at the center of this system. The first is the Lawful Intercept Management System (LIMS), allegedly supplied by a German and an Emirati company. This technology allows authorities to access calls, messages, and location data. It is said to be capable of monitoring up to four million mobile phones at the same time.
The second tool is the Web Monitoring System 2.0 (WMS 2.0), described as a Chinese-built firewall. Amnesty reports that it is used to filter online traffic and block platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X. So far, authorities have reportedly blocked over 650,000 web links under this system.
Foreign Technology and Responses
The report highlights that companies from China, Germany, the UAE, the US, and France have provided technology linked to these systems. While some companies denied involvement, others said their products were sold for lawful purposes. Many did not respond to Amnesty’s inquiries.
Human Rights Concerns
Amnesty warns that these practices are creating a chilling effect on free expression in Pakistan. Journalists, activists, and political opponents are among those most affected. Internet restrictions, including blackouts in regions like Balochistan, further limit access to information.
The report also points to weak legal safeguards that allow unchecked surveillance. It refers to a 2024 Islamabad High Court case filed after leaked phone calls of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife. While defense ministries denied tapping abilities, the telecom regulator confirmed that mobile operators had been asked to install LIMS.
Ongoing Debate
Concerns about unlawful spying in Pakistan are not new. Amnesty has previously reported hacking and spyware campaigns against human rights defenders. The latest report on Pakistan mass surveillance Amnesty raises fresh questions about privacy, accountability, and digital freedoms in the country.
