Rs. 2 Million Fine Imposed on Damaging Islamabad Safe City Cameras

President Asif Ali Zardari has authorized an ordinance to safeguard Islamabad's Safe City cameras and surveillance systems against damage, while also ensuring the recovery of repair and replacement expenses. The ordinance was endorsed based on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's recommendation, as per a report from the President Secretariat Media Wing.

The new legislation stipulates that individuals damaging, promoting, or inciting damage to Safe City cameras or other surveillance equipment can be penalized with a fine of up to Rs2 million per instance. Organizers may also bear responsibility for damage incurred during rallies, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes, or any public assembly.

An authorized officer will ascertain the fine amount and the extent of the damage, granting the affected party a chance to present their position before the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad, within 30 days. If the imposed fine or compensation remains unpaid, it could be collected as land revenue arrears. The revenue generated from penalties and compensation will be allocated towards repairing or replacing any damaged Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.