Rs2 million fine for damaging Islamabad Safe City cameras

President Asif Ali Zardari, on the advice of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has approved an ordinance aimed at protecting Islamabad Capital Territory’s Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure and ensuring compensation for any damage caused to them.
 
The ordinance seeks to safeguard Safe City cameras and surveillance systems from damage and ensure recovery of the cost in case of any loss, President Secretariat Media Wing, Saturday, said in a press release.
 
Under the ordinance, financial penalties may be imposed for damaging, instigating damage to, or encouraging damage to Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.
 
“A fine of up to Rs2 million per camera or piece of surveillance infrastructure may be imposed in case of damage,” it was added.
 
Organizers may also be held responsible for damage caused to the infrastructure during rallies, processions, sit-ins, protests, strikes or other gatherings.
 
The amount of the fine and the cost of the damage will be determined by an authorized officer after providing the relevant person with an opportunity to be heard.
 
The relevant person will have the right to appeal against the determination of the fine or damage cost before the District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad, within 30 days.
 
In case of non-payment of the imposed fine or damage cost, the amount may be recovered as arrears of land revenue.
 
The funds recovered through fines and compensation for damage will be utilized for the repair and replacement of Safe City cameras and surveillance infrastructure.