ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, has approved the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance. This new ordinance is designed to safeguard the Safe City cameras and surveillance systems from damage and to ensure compensation in cases of damage.

According to Radio Pakistan, the ordinance allows for financial penalties to be imposed on individuals who damage Safe City cameras or surveillance infrastructure, or who incite or encourage such damage. Organizers of rallies, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes, or gatherings may also be held accountable for any damages occurring during these events.

The ordinance specifies that an authorized officer will determine the amount of the fine and the cost of damage, following an opportunity for the concerned individual to be heard. Those penalized under the ordinance will have the right to appeal the determination of the fine or damage cost before the District and Sessions Judge in Islamabad, with a 30-day window to file the appeal.