President Asif Zardari has approved an ordinance to protect Islamabad’s Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure from damage. He approved the measure on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advice, according to the President’s Office.
The ordinance introduces financial penalties for damaging Safe City cameras and related surveillance systems. It also covers people who incite or encourage others to damage the infrastructure.
Ordinance Sets Rs. 2 Million Damage Penalty
Under the ordinance, authorities may impose a fine of up to Rs. 2 million for each damaged camera or infrastructure component. If damage occurs during a public meeting, procession, sit-in, protest, strike or gathering, organisers may also face responsibility.
An authorised officer will determine the fine and repair costs after giving the concerned person an opportunity to present their case. Moreover, affected individuals can appeal the decision before the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad, within 30 days.
If a person fails to pay the prescribed fine or compensation, authorities may recover the amount as arrears of land revenue. The government will use recovered funds to repair or replace damaged Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.
Move Follows Damage During Previous Protest
The ordinance comes as Islamabad authorities seek greater protection for the capital’s surveillance infrastructure. The move also follows PTI’s decision to defer its planned Islamabad protest until October 4.
PTI has linked the planned protest to demands for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. Officials said protesters damaged 441 Safe City cameras during PTI’s 2024 protest.
The new ordinance therefore establishes a compensation mechanism alongside penalties for infrastructure damage. Authorities will use the recovered funds to support future repairs and replacement of affected surveillance equipment.
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