Pakistan is running a large-scale surveillance system that spies on its citizens using Chinese and other foreign technologies, Amnesty International said in a report on Tuesday (September 9). The system monitors, censors, and intercepts phone calls, text messages, and internet activity, raising serious concerns about privacy and freedom.

The report warns that this network works without legal checks or transparency, creating serious risks to people’s privacy and freedom. Amnesty’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard described the system as “a vast economy of oppression,” saying ordinary Pakistanis are paying the price for being constantly watched.

Amnesty’s year-long investigation revealed that two key systems are being used, the Web Monitoring System (WMS 2.0) and the Lawful Intercept Management System (LIMS). WMS 2.0 acts like a national firewall, allowing authorities to block websites, social media platforms, VPNs, and content they consider “unlawful.” LIMS gives Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, the power to intercept calls, texts, and even internet data from millions of people.

Much of this technology comes from abroad. China’s Geedge Networks supplies advanced censorship tools similar to its own “Great Firewall.” Other technology comes from companies in Germany, France, the UAE, Canada, and the United States. Amnesty highlighted that the original WMS system was built using equipment from Canadian firm Sandvine, while the new version is a mix of Chinese, French, and American technology.

The surveillance is not only powerful but also widespread. According to Amnesty, more than four million people can be spied on at any given time. Authorities can track phone locations, monitor conversations, and even see full web activity on unencrypted sites.

The report also stressed that Pakistanis are paying for this surveillance through public funds. Despite laws requiring warrants, surveillance is often carried out without legal approval. Journalists and activists told Amnesty they face harassment and live in constant fear of being monitored. Amnesty urged governments supplying the technology to stop supporting Pakistan’s mass surveillance, warning that it poses a serious threat to human rights and freedom of expression in the country.