Damage Safe City Camera, Face Rs2m Fine

President Asif Ali Zardari has approved an ordinance allowing authorities to impose fines of up to Rs2 million per camera or piece of infrastructure for damaging Islamabad’s Safe City cameras and surveillance system.

The Islamabad Capital Territory ordinance is aimed at protecting Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure and ensuring recovery of costs in case of damage.

Under the ordinance, financial penalties may be imposed on anyone who damages Safe City cameras or surveillance infrastructure, or incites or encourages others to cause such damage.

Protest Organisers May Be Held Liable

The ordinance also covers damage caused during rallies, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes or other gatherings, with organisers potentially held responsible for damage to surveillance infrastructure during such events.

A fine of up to Rs2 million for each damaged camera or other piece of surveillance infrastructure may be imposed.

The authorised officer will determine the amount of the fine and the cost of damage after providing the concerned person an opportunity to be heard.

Right to Appeal Within 30 Days

Anyone against whom a fine or damage cost is determined will have the right to file an appeal before the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad, within 30 days.

If the prescribed fine or compensation is not paid, authorities will be able to recover the amount as arrears of land revenue.

Money recovered through fines and compensation will be used for the repair or replacement of damaged Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.

The ordinance establishes a financial liability mechanism aimed at protecting Islamabad’s surveillance network and recovering public funds spent on replacing damaged security infrastructure.