Pakistan seeks UN probe into India's use of Israeli spyware

The combination of photos shows the website of Israel-made Pegasus spyware, left, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan pauses on a phone call in Islamabad on August 21, 2014. (AFP photos)
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Updated 23 July 2021
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Pakistan seeks UN probe into India's use of Israeli spyware

  • Pakistani PM's phone number was on a list of potential surveillance targets for countries that bought Pegasus software
  • Indian government is already facing calls for an investigation at home over allegations of spying on activists, journalists and politicians

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan called on the United Nations on Friday to probe whether India has used Israeli spyware, Pegasus, to spy on public figures including Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Khan's phone number was on a list of potential surveillance targets for countries that bought the software from Israeli company NSO, according to an investigation by 17 international media organizations and Amnesty International, of which report was published on Sunday.

The Indian government is already facing calls for an investigation at home over allegations of spying on activists, journalists and politicians, including the main opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi.

Pakistan's foreign office in a statement accused New Delhi of "organized spying operations against its own citizens, foreigners as well as Prime Minister Imran Khan, using an Israeli origin spyware."

"In view of the gravity of these reports, we call on the relevant UN bodies to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring the facts to light, and hold the Indian perpetrators to account," the statement said.

Indian authorities did not immediately respond to the accusations.

Pegasus can infect both iPhones and Android devices, allowing the spyware's users to collect messages, photos, emails, and record calls. Microphones and cameras of the infected devices can be activated covertly.


PCB opens registration of foreign players for Pakistan Super League 11th edition

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PCB opens registration of foreign players for Pakistan Super League 11th edition

  • The PSL is Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket league that features a mix of local and international players and coaches
  • The addition of two new teams has created more roster spots and opportunities for international players, the PCB says

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced that the foreign player registration window for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was now officially open.

The PSL is Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket league that features a mix of local and international players and coaches. It features six teams, each named after a Pakistani city, with the upcoming edition set to feature two new teams.

The 11th edition of the Twenty20 tournament will be held from Mar. 26 to May 11, and the addition of two new franchises creates significantly more roster spots and earning opportunities for international players.

“Agents and independent players are encouraged to complete their registration before 20 January, 2026 deadline to be included in the Player Pool,” the PCB said in a statement.

The league, which began in 2016, is entering a “historic” new era of expansion, according to the PCB.

Two new teams will be auctioned in Islamabad on 8 January, with the auction to be broadcast live.

“Cricketing talent from around the world is welcome to join for what promises to be the biggest season yet,” the board added.