President Zardari Approves Islamabad Safe City Ordinance, Rs2 Million Fine Per Camera

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Islamabad Safe City Ordinance, introducing financial penalties for damaging Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.

Under the ordinance, anyone who damages Safe City cameras or other surveillance infrastructure, or encourages or incites others to cause such damage, may face a financial penalty.

A fine of up to Rs2 million per camera may be imposed for damaging Safe City cameras or related infrastructure.

The ordinance also holds organisers responsible if Safe City equipment or infrastructure is damaged during public gatherings, rallies, sit-ins, protests or strikes.

The cost of damage will be assessed by an authorised officer. The concerned parties will be given an opportunity to present their position before the assessment is finalised.

An appeal against the officer’s decision may be filed before the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad, within 30 days.

If the fine or compensation for the damage is not paid, the amount will be recovered as arrears of land revenue.

The money collected through fines and recovery of damage costs will be used for the repair and replacement of Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.

The ordinance is aimed at protecting Islamabad’s surveillance infrastructure and ensuring that the cost of repairing damaged equipment is recovered from those responsible.