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

Islamabad's President Asif Zardari has, on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recommendation, endorsed the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance. This ordinance is designed to shield Safe City cameras and surveillance systems from harm and to provide financial restitution for any damage inflicted upon them.

Violators face potential legal penalties, including fines of up to Rs2 million per camera or piece of infrastructure. Organizers of certain events, such as public gatherings or protests, may also bear responsibility for damage. The fine and damage costs are to be determined by an authorized officer, who must give the affected party a chance to present their case.

The aggrieved party has 30 days to contest the fine or damage costs before a District and Sessions Judge in Islamabad. Failure to pay the prescribed fine or compensation may result in the amount being treated as overdue land revenue. The revenue generated from fines and compensation will be used to restore and replace Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.

This protective measure follows the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's decision to postpone a planned protest in Islamabad until October 4, pending the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who is currently held in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. During the 2024 protest, PTI demonstrators damaged 441 Safe City cameras, according to officials.