Islamabad has introduced stricter penalties for damaging Safe City cameras and other surveillance infrastructure, with fines of up to Rs. 2 million for each affected camera or piece of equipment.
President Asif Ali Zardari has approved an ordinance aimed at protecting the capital’s Safe City surveillance system from damage. The new rules cover individuals who directly damage surveillance equipment as well as those who encourage or incite such acts.
Under the ordinance, organisers of rallies, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes and other public gatherings may also be held responsible if Safe City cameras or related infrastructure are damaged during their events.
An authorised officer will determine the applicable fine along with the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged equipment. The measure is intended to ensure that expenses resulting from damage to surveillance infrastructure are recovered from those held responsible.
The ordinance also provides a legal avenue for individuals affected by the decision to challenge the imposed penalty. Those wishing to appeal can approach the District and Sessions Judge within 30 days of the decision.
Islamabad’s Safe City system includes surveillance cameras and related infrastructure used for monitoring different areas of the capital and supporting law enforcement and public security operations.
The new penalties come as authorities seek greater protection for public security infrastructure, particularly during large gatherings and demonstrations where surveillance equipment may face a higher risk of damage.
The ordinance establishes financial consequences for damage while also outlining procedures for determining penalties and challenging them through the legal system.
