Lahore High Court seeks report on Punjab smart glasses ban enforcement

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed the federal and Punjab governments to report on enforcement of the smart glasses ban in Punjab.

A petition seeks regulation of devices that can secretly record images, audio and video, citing harassment, surveillance and blackmail risks. The case resumes on November 17.

What did the Lahore High Court order on the smart glasses ban?

The court asked Punjab and the federal government to detail measures taken to restrict smart glasses and other covert recording devices.

The chief justice also asked the Punjab government’s lawyer to explain, before the next hearing, what practical steps had been taken to implement the restrictions.

What did federal authorities tell the court about smart glasses?

The court reviewed a report submitted by the Ministry of Commerce, which said provincial governments had been approached on the issue. The chief justice asked the federal government’s representative whether smart glasses had formally been taken up for consideration.

The federal counsel said the matter had been referred to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in compliance with judicial directions and would later be placed before the federal cabinet. He also confirmed that letters had been sent to federal and provincial authorities.

The court directed the federal representative to specify when the matter would be presented to the cabinet. It stressed that authorities needed to demonstrate concrete progress before submitting their next reports.

National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Additional Director Atif Mir also appeared before the court and submitted a report. It stated that the agency had no pending complaints involving recordings made through smart glasses, or applications from citizens affected by their use.

Why was the smart glasses ban announced in Punjab?

The petition seeks regulatory measures against smart glasses and other devices capable of secretly capturing images, audio and video. It cites concerns that they could be misused for harassment, unlawful surveillance and blackmail.

The proceedings follow an announcement by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on October 19. She announced that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had directed the provincial Home Department to launch a crackdown on spy glasses, camera-equipped pens, key chains and button cameras to protect citizens’ privacy and personal information.

The restrictions were announced under Section 144 of Pakistan’s Code of Criminal Procedure. The provision empowers authorities to prohibit specific activities for a limited period to maintain public order or address potential threats.

The Lahore High Court adjourned the case until November 17. It directed federal and provincial authorities to submit detailed reports on enforcement measures.