Lahore: The Punjab Home Department has announced a 30-day ban on the use, sale, and purchase of hidden recording devices and spy equipment across the province, as per the provisions of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. The ban targets devices such as camera-enabled smart glasses and covert recording gadgets concealed in common objects like pens and keychains.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the restrictions aim to prevent unauthorized recording and transmission of images, videos, and audio that could infringe on citizens’ privacy and compromise sensitive information. The ban explicitly prohibits the sale of these gadgets in physical stores and online. The announcement underscores the potential risks posed by these devices to personal privacy, especially concerning women and children. Exemptions from the ban include laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and terminal equipment approved by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The notification, issued by the Punjab Home Department, mandates law enforcement agencies to ensure strict adherence to the ban for its 30-day duration, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding citizens’ privacy and security.