President Asif Ali Zardari has approved a new ordinance to protect Islamabad’s Safe City infrastructure. The approval came on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The ordinance is officially called the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance. It focuses on protecting surveillance cameras and related equipment in the capital. The new rules also establish financial penalties for damage to Safe City infrastructure. They cover both direct damage and actions that encourage or support such damage.
Under the ordinance, authorities can impose a fine of up to Rs2 million. The penalty can apply to each damaged camera or infrastructure item. President Zardari approves ordinance to protect Islamabad’s Safe City infrastructure as the capital prepares for future public gatherings and protests. The measure also sets rules for recovering the cost of damaged equipment. The ordinance includes specific provisions for damage during public events. These include public meetings, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes and other gatherings. Organisers of such events may also be held responsible when Safe City infrastructure is damaged.
Relevant authorities will determine the applicable fine and damage costs. An authorised officer will assess the damage and decide the financial amount. The person concerned must receive an opportunity to present their position before the decision.
The ordinance also provides a right to appeal. A person can challenge the fine or damage assessment before the District and Sessions Judge in Islamabad. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the relevant determination. This provision allows affected individuals to seek a review of the financial decision. The government has also outlined how it will recover unpaid amounts. If a person fails to pay the fine or compensation, authorities can recover it as land revenue arrears.
The money collected through fines and compensation will have a specific purpose. It will fund repairs or replacements of Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure. The decision follows earlier damage to Safe City equipment during protests in Islamabad. According to officials, 441 Safe City Authority cameras were damaged during a 2024 PTI protest. The ordinance therefore creates a formal framework for dealing with future damage. It also sets out financial responsibility and an appeal process.
President Zardari approves ordinance to protect Islamabad’s Safe City infrastructure amid continued attention on public security systems. The rules are designed to safeguard surveillance equipment and cover costs when damage occurs. The measure gives authorities a defined process for assessing damage and collecting compensation. It also links recovered funds directly to the maintenance and replacement of Safe City infrastructure. The ordinance applies specifically to Islamabad’s Safe City cameras and surveillance systems. Its provisions cover damage, financial penalties, responsibility, and legal appeals.
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