ISLAMABAD, September 26: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved an ordinance intended to protect Islamabad’s Safe City cameras and other surveillance infrastructure. The measure, approved on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advice, provides for compensation when the equipment is damaged and allows a fine of up to Rs2 million for each camera or other piece of infrastructure.
According to the President’s Office, the ordinance also covers people accused of encouraging or inciting such damage. If equipment is damaged during a public gathering, its organisers may be held responsible under the measure. Responsibility and the amount payable would be determined by an authorised officer after the person concerned has an opportunity to be heard.
A person who disputes the decision may appeal to Islamabad’s district and sessions judge within 30 days. Unpaid fines or compensation may be recovered through the procedure used for land-revenue arrears. Money collected is to be spent on repairing or replacing the damaged Safe City equipment.
The government says the measure is designed to protect surveillance systems used in the capital. Its practical effect will depend on how officials establish damage, decide responsibility and apply the appeal process in individual cases.
