Zardari signs Islamabad Safe City Ordinance

President Asif Zardari approved the Islamabad Capital Territory Safe City Camera and Surveillance Infrastructure Protection and Damage Compensation Ordinance on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The ordinance imposes financial penalties of up to Rs2 million per camera or piece of infrastructure for damage, and holds organisers of public gatherings liable if damage occurs during meetings, processions, sit in, protests, strikes or gatherings.

The ordinance allows an authorised officer to determine fines and compensation, with a right to appeal within 30 days to the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad. Non‑payment may be recovered as land revenue arrears, and the recovered funds will be used to repair or replace Safe City cameras.

The move follows the PTI’s protest earlier in 2024, during which 441 Safe City cameras were damaged, prompting the authority to seek compensation.