President Asif Ali Zardari, on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved an ordinance aimed at protecting Islamabad Capital Territory's Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure and ensuring compensation for any damage caused to them. The Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance allows authorities to penalise anyone who damages, incites, or encourages damage to the network.

Rs2 million fine per camera

The fine for damaging a camera or surveillance infrastructure can be as high as Rs2 million per camera or facility. The ordinance also makes organisers potentially responsible for damage to the Safe City system during rallies, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes or other gatherings.

Appeal process and fund use

The amount of the fine or compensation for damage will be determined by an authorised officer after providing the concerned person an opportunity to be heard. Affected individuals can challenge the decision before the District and Sessions Judge Islamabad within 30 days.

 if the imposed fine or compensation is not paid, the amount may be recovered in the same manner as outstanding land revenue, while collected funds will go toward repairing and replacing damaged equipment.

Up to Rs2m fine for damaging Islamabad Safe City Cameras as new law approved

The move comes after PTI deferred its planned Islamabad protest until October 4, following the 2024 march in which miscreants damaged 441 Safe City cameras.