President approves ordinance to protect Islamabad Safe City cameras

President Asif Ali Zardari, following the counsel of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance. This ordinance aims to safeguard Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure from damage, and to establish a means for recouping expenses related to repairs or replacement when damage occurs.

Violators of the ordinance could face financial penalties, and those orchestrating damage during public gatherings such as rallies, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes, or other assemblies could also bear responsibility. The extent of the fine and damage cost would be determined by an authorized officer, who would provide the affected individual an opportunity to present their case before the District and Sessions Judge in Islamabad within a 30-day timeframe.

Failure to pay the penalty or damage cost would result in the amount being recoverable as arrears of land revenue. The revenue generated from fines and damage costs would be utilized for the restoration and replacement of Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure. This ordinance coincides with Islamabad's ongoing expansion and enhancement of its Safe City surveillance network.

The initiative arises amidst anticipated protests and large marches by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat e Islami (JI) in Islamabad. The PTI had planned to commence a long march towards Islamabad on September 27, but postponed it to October 4 following a meeting of senior PTI leaders. The PTI has vowed a significant mobilization against the government.

The decision to reschedule the protest march was made during a meeting of senior PTI leaders at the party’s central office, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi attending virtually from Peshawar. Meanwhile, JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced on September 22 that the party would postpone its long march until the first week of October at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz.

JI reaffirmed its commitment to continue its protest campaign, addressing a press conference in Multan and highlighting ongoing issues faced by the public, including petrol prices and tax collection, which they accused the government of using to mask corruption.