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Spy vs. Spy

There seems to be a new turn in Pakistan’s politics as top political leaders face spy scrutiny.

By Dr. Saira Kazmi | November 2022


Pakistani political leaders are under scrutiny after the leaks of nearly 100 hours of audio tapes from the Prime Minister's House. These were released on an international hacker website, where the user named 'Indishellgp' asked for a minimum of 180 bitcoins ($3404000) for accessibility. Security concerns have been raised where government agencies' performance in dealing with cyber-attacks has raised many eyebrows. An official investigation in this regard has been ordered and initiated by the Prime Minister. The recordings have given a peek into the behind-the-scenes manoeuvres of political leaders, and how they blow the issues out of proportion.

The private conversation between PM Shahbaz Sharif and his official aide, reportedly his Principal Secretary Tauqeer Shah, has gone viral where he is heard suggesting to the PM to not import Indian power project machinery to Pakistan as requested by Maryam Nawaz for facilitating her son-in-law Raheel as it will become an issue on political grounds. In another audio leak, the PM is heard discussing the performance of the former finance minister Miftah Ismail with Maryam Nawaz, Vice President PML-N. They are criticizing his performance on the tough economic decisions in saving Pakistan from default.

The PM’s office has not denied the leaks and officials have even been heard saying they are not illegal or controversial happenings for which the government can be held accountable.

In another audio leak, the then Prime Minister Iran Khan is in conversation with his party leaders. Talking to his Principal Secretary Azam Khan, he discusses the US cipher, which led to the ousting of the PTI government. Imran Khan is telling Azam Khan to ‘play’ with the cipher narrative without naming the U.S. Azam Khan suggests holding a meeting comprising then Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, where he would take down minutes of the meeting.

In another leaked recording, a person said to be Shaukat Tarin suggests to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab’s ministers to inform the federal government and the IMF regarding their incompetence in handling the provincial budget that has increased due to the flood crisis.


The leaks seem to be systematically organized without any major damage at the political level. Nothing is shocking or explosive. It seems that it’s a warning to both parties to move forward by keeping the interest of the country at the top. On the political level, both parties are in a head-on situation.

The security breach is raising questions about the performance of security agencies. There is no security threat to the PM, but the audio leaks can be a message for all from the hacker as having plenty of material that can be uploaded with time. Former Director General, Bashir Wali Mohmand has stated that the PM office’s security is at the top, and agencies should take care of different departments accordingly. There is a need to investigate India using Israeli-made Pegasus spyware to spy on Pakistani political leaders. The leaks might be related to this as a surveillance target. In reality, no one can ask for a bugging or hacking operation unless authorized by competent authorities. The equipment involves fine spy devices placed at the most important and sensitive office of the PM which is considered as threatening to the sovereignty, security and sanctity of PM office as a state’s asset. Cyber security officers are observed giving guidelines to the agencies and officials to follow strict measures and secure all technological devices, including smartwatches and other electronic devices. No doubt, a message is not for a particular party but for all active parties. This leads us to keep observing how political parties move forward, compromise and struggle by keeping the security and safety of the country as the main agenda.

However, the political, economic, and humanitarian upheavals in the country are worrisome. An early General Election seems to be the best option.

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