An Israeli cyber-intelligence company has been accused of carrying out unlawful spying operations in Pakistan, targeting journalists, lawyers, activists, and even government systems through the Predator spyware.
According to Amnesty International, leaked Predator Files uncovered covert surveillance activities linked to Intellexa, an Israeli cyber firm allegedly involved in operations hostile to Pakistan. The spyware was reportedly used to hack mobile phones, extract private information, and monitor human rights defenders, including a lawyer from Balochistan.
Investigators found that the company maintained access to Predator systems installed inside government institutions, allowing it to penetrate highly sensitive environments. Amnesty warned that the data collected through these hacks remained in the hands of Israeli operators, posing a significant threat to personal privacy and Pakistan’s national security.
Following the revelations, Google issued threat alerts to users in Pakistan and other countries, warning them of possible spyware attacks. Human rights organizations strongly condemned the surveillance, calling it unethical and dangerous. Experts said the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity protections and international regulations to prevent the abuse of military-grade spyware.
The report has sparked serious concerns in Pakistan and among global rights groups about the expanding cyber-espionage activities linked to Israel and their implications for state security.
Read more: The government is concerned that Israeli hackers are stealing data from Pakistanis.
