Islamabad: A major French company, which manufactures fighter planes, warships, and other equipment, is assisting Pakistan in spying on its own people. Thales Group is a multinational aerospace and defence corporation and an expert in electronic and digital technology. According to a report by Eurasian Times, Amnesty International conducted an investigation that revealed that Thales is secretly helping Islamabad build a digital firewall. Pakistan’s mass surveillance program “Shadows of Control,” depends on a secret supply chain extending to Germany, France, UAE, China, Canada, and the United States. Amnesty International conducted the investigation for about a year in collaboration with Paper Trail Media, DER Standard, Follow the Money, The Globe and Mail, Justice for Myanmar, IntersecLab, and the Tor Project.
Why Is Pakistan Monitoring People?
The report revealed the methods by which Pakistani officials acquired sophisticated technology via a covert supply chain for surveillance and censorship tools. Notably, the setup operates two programs in Pak – Web Monitoring System (WMS) and Lawful Intercept Management System (LIMS). Both programs are the backbone of the neighbouring country’s surveillance system. With the help of these systems, Pakistan monitor its people. The Shehbaz Sharif-led government and the army are using the information obtained from it for their own benefit. Not only this, but the voice of protest is also being suppressed.
Earlier, the firewall was purchased from a Canadian company
Did Any Other Company Purchase The Firewall?
As per the report, Pak’s Web Monitoring System has been changed several times. The first version was installed in 2018 and was backed by Canadian company Sandvine, now operating as AppLogic Networks. The country used this monitoring system for a long time. Records indicate that starting in 2017, the company supplied equipment to at least three firms associated with the Pakistani government, namely Inbox Technologies, SN Skies Pvt Ltd, and A Hamson Inc. The company ceased its operations in Pakistan in 2023.
Does Pakistan Use Surveillance Technology From China?
Pakistan then utilised the firewall in conjunction with China’s Gage Networks, which agreed to share its WMS 2.0 system with Islamabad. Major hardware for the new system was supplied by ELINC China Company Limited, which is a subsidiary of the state-owned China Electronics Corporation. This equipment was acquired by Pakistan’s ELC Solutions Private Limited. As per a report by Amnesty, the sophisticated firewall is essentially an export version of China’s “Great Firewall.”
Thales Group Makes Equipment Used In Rafale Fighter Jet
Thales Group manufactures key equipment and systems used in Rafale fighter jet. Equipment include – RBE2 AESA radar (sensors), Spectra electronic warfare system (protection), optronics (targeting systems), communication, navigation and identification systems (CNI), and cockpit display systems. Notably, this equipment enhances the capabilities of the French fighter jet and helps it succeed in various missions.
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