President Asif Ali Zardari has approved an ordinance allowing fines of up to Rs2 million for damaging Islamabad’s Safe City cameras and other surveillance infrastructure, with organizers of public gatherings potentially held responsible for such damage.
According to a statement from the President’s Office, the ordinance was approved on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It provides for financial penalties against anyone who damages, incites damage to or encourages others to damage Safe City cameras or related surveillance equipment.
A fine of up to Rs2 million may be imposed for each camera or piece of surveillance infrastructure damaged under the new law.
The ordinance also allows organizers of rallies, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes or other public gatherings to be held liable if Safe City infrastructure is damaged during an event.
The move comes as authorities in Islamabad prepare for potential protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The party had initially announced a march toward the capital for September 27 but postponed it late Friday, setting October 5 as the new date.
The federal and Punjab governments have taken measures to prevent the march and manage potential demonstrations. Government officials have cited previous violent protests involving the party, while PTI leaders have maintained that their demonstrations are peaceful.
Appeals allowed against fines
Under the ordinance, the amount of any fine or compensation for damage will be determined by an authorized officer after giving the person concerned an opportunity to be heard.
Anyone affected by the decision will have 30 days to appeal before the District and Sessions Judge in Islamabad.
If a person fails to pay the imposed fine or compensation, the amount may be recovered in the same manner as outstanding land revenue.
The government will use money collected through fines and compensation to repair or replace Safe City cameras and other surveillance infrastructure.
The President’s Office said the ordinance is intended to protect Islamabad’s Safe City surveillance system from damage and ensure that the cost of repairing or replacing damaged equipment is recovered.
PAK SOUCH MEDIA GROUP
Daily Pak Souch Newspaper Sukkur – Daily Pak Special Newspaper Karachi – Daily Pak Today Newspaper Karachi – Daily Pak Jazbo Newspaper Sukkur
Head Office : Ayub Gate Shaikh Muhalla Near Rabbania Masjid Sukkur
Karachi Office : Office No. 1901-B, 19th Floor Saima Trade Tower (B) Block I.I Chandigarh Road Near Jung Press, Shaheen Complex & National Museum of Pakistan Karachi Sindh Pakistan.
Contact : 03009319022
Website 1 : https://paksouch.com/
Website 2 : https://sindhi.paksouch.com/
Website 3 : https://pakjazbo.com/
Website 4 : https://urdu.pakjazbo.com/
About The Author
