Zardari signs ordinance to protect Islamabad Safe City cameras

— President Asif Ali Zardari has signed an order to provide protection to Safe City Cameras and surveillance infrastructure of Islamabad Capital Territory and to provide compensation for damage to them.

The ordinance provides for monetary sanctions for damaging Safe City cameras or surveillance infrastructure, as well as advocating or inciting destruction to such infrastructure.

Any damage to Safe City camera or monitoring infrastructure might lead to a punishment of up to Rs2 million.

The ordinance also says the organisers can be held liable for any damage to the Safe City cameras or surveillance infrastructure during demonstrations, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes or any other gathering.

The amount of fine and the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged infrastructure shall be established by an approved officer after an opportunity of being heard is given to the relevant person.

The affected person shall have the right of appeal to the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad within thirty days.

If the amount of fine or compensation so stipulated is not paid, it may be reclaimed as arrears of land revenue.

It was said money seized from fines and compensation will go toward the repair and replacement of Safe City cameras and monitoring infrastructure.