President Zardari approves ordinance to protect Islamabad’s Safe City infrastructure

President Asif Zardari, at the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has sanctioned the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance. The objective of the ordinance is to safeguard Safe City cameras and surveillance systems from any form of damage and to provide compensation for any resulting damage.

Under this ordinance, severe penalties are stipulated for damaging Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure, or for inciting or endorsing such damage. The President’s Office announced the approval on X, specifying that the ordinance is named the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance.

The fine for each damaged camera or piece of infrastructure could reach Rs2 million. The extent of the fine and damage cost would be decided by an authorized officer, giving the affected party a chance to present their case. The aggrieved party would have the right to contest the fine or damage cost before the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad, within 30 days.

If the fine or compensation is not paid, the amount can be collected as arrears of land revenue. The fines and compensation collected would be used to repair and replace the Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure. This protective measure was implemented following PTI's decision to postpone its planned protest in Islamabad until October 4, pending the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who is presently held in Adiala jail.

During the 2024 protest, PTI activists damaged 441 cameras of the Safe City Authority, as per the officials.