Islamabad’s Safe City surveillance system is set to receive stronger legal protection. Authorities are moving to impose fines of up to Rs2 million on anyone who damages Safe City cameras or other government security equipment.
The move follows repeated incidents involving damage to surveillance infrastructure in the capital. In February 2026, an unidentified vehicle damaged Safe City equipment, including cameras, causing losses estimated at around Rs2 million.
Why Safe City Cameras Matter
Safe City cameras support Islamabad’s security and law-enforcement operations. Police use surveillance footage to monitor roads, investigate crimes, track suspects and respond to security incidents.
The federal government is also expanding the Islamabad Safe City system. A Rs7.4 billion project approved in 2025 aims to increase surveillance coverage to around 90 per cent of the capital. It will also expand the system from 13 to 28 police stations.
The upgraded network is expected to feature high-resolution cameras, advanced analytics and improved monitoring capabilities. These upgrades are designed to strengthen the city’s overall surveillance network.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior has also stressed the importance of keeping Safe City cameras operational. The committee directed authorities to ensure that the surveillance system remains fully functional.
Damage to Islamabad Safe City Cameras
Islamabad has faced major damage to Safe City cameras during previous violent protests. According to data presented by Islamabad Police, 834 cameras were destroyed during major protest incidents in 2023 and 2024.
The damage caused losses of more than Rs402 million. Replacing the cameras and restoring damaged equipment can place an additional financial burden on authorities.
Damaged cameras can also affect police operations. When surveillance equipment is out of service, officers may have less access to footage needed to monitor roads, investigate incidents and identify suspects.
Islamabad Police had previously sought legislation to protect Safe City infrastructure. The move followed incidents in which construction work damaged underground cables and caused some cameras to stop working.
What the New Law Means
The new legal measure would make people who damage Safe City cameras and related government property financially liable. Under the measure, fines could reach up to Rs2 million.
The proposed penalty comes as Islamabad continues to expand and modernise its surveillance network. The Safe City project is being upgraded with technologies such as improved video management, automatic number-plate recognition and facial-recognition systems.
Authorities are expected to provide further details about how the law will be enforced. These details may clarify the specific offences covered by the measure and the circumstances in which the maximum fine would apply.
For Islamabad residents, the new measure could mean tougher financial penalties for damaging public security infrastructure. It also reflects efforts to protect the surveillance equipment used by police across the capital.
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