Economic Coordination Committee Bans Import of Camera-Enabled Smart Gl

Economic Coordination Committee Bans Import of Camera-Enabled Smart Glasses in Pakistan

Pakistan's Economic Coordination Committee has approved a ban on importing camera-enabled smart glasses and urged provinces to set workplace rules.

NationPulse Desk

Nov 4, 2026 · 10:30 PM 5 min read

Key takeaways

The Economic Coordination Committee approved a ban on importing camera-enabled smart glasses on Wednesday.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting where the decision was taken.

Provincial governments and Islamabad Capital Territory must draft workplace regulations within 60 days.

Customs will deny clearance for any smart glasses that contain a built-in camera.

The ban could reduce smart-device imports by an estimated Rs. 1.2 billion annually.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal Cabinet approved restrictions on the import of camera-enabled smart glasses on Wednesday, citing concerns about their use in workplaces.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting at the Finance Division when the decision was taken, and the committee also recommended that provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory develop appropriate workplace regulations to govern the use of such devices.

What Are Camera-Enabled Smart Glasses?

Smart glasses are wearable computers that resemble ordinary spectacles but embed a miniature display, processor, battery, and often a camera. The camera can capture video or still images, and the device can stream data to cloud services in real time. Leading global manufacturers market them for a range of applications, from augmented-reality (AR) assistance for field technicians to hands-free communication for logistics workers.

In Pakistan, the market for such wearables has been nascent but growing, with a handful of imports recorded in the past two years. Most of the devices are assembled overseas, primarily in China, South Korea, and the United States, and are classified under the Harmonized System code 8543.70 for "electronic equipment for the purpose of data processing."

Why the ECC Moved to Restrict Imports

The ECC's decision stems from privacy and security concerns. Camera-enabled glasses can record video in public and private spaces without obvious indication, raising the risk of covert surveillance in workplaces, factories, and offices. Labor unions and privacy advocates have warned that such devices could be used to monitor employees without consent, potentially violating the Constitution's right to privacy and existing labour laws.

In addition, the Ministry of Information Technology has highlighted cybersecurity risks. The devices often run proprietary operating systems that can transmit data to foreign servers, creating a vector for data exfiltration. The Finance Ministry's analysis, presented to the ECC, estimated that unchecked imports could lead to an increase of up to 15 % in unregulated data collection points across the country's industrial sector.

How the Ban Will Be Implemented

According to the Finance Division's statement, the ban will be enforced through customs controls. Importers will be required to submit a licence application to the Ministry of Commerce, which will assess whether the device contains a camera. Devices found to have built-in cameras will be denied clearance and returned to the exporter.

The ECC also instructed provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory to draft workplace regulations within 60 days. Those regulations are expected to address:

Mandatory disclosure of any recording capability to employees.
Written consent procedures for any on-site use.
Data retention and storage limits for any footage captured.
Penalties for unauthorized recording, including fines and possible imprisonment.

Provincial labour departments will be tasked with monitoring compliance and may conduct surprise inspections in factories and corporate offices.

Impact on Businesses and Consumers

Manufacturing firms that have begun piloting AR glasses for assembly-line assistance will need to reassess their technology roadmap. Companies that rely on real-time visual guidance, such as telecom field crews, may face delays while they seek alternative solutions that do not include cameras.

For consumers, the ban limits the ability to purchase popular consumer-grade smart glasses that double as fashion accessories. Retailers who have already stocked such items will be required to return them to suppliers or face confiscation.

Import-dependent electronics distributors have warned that the ban could reduce overall smart-device imports by an estimated Rs. 1.2 billion annually, according to a survey conducted by the Pakistan Electronics Manufacturers Association (PEMA).

Legal and Regulatory Context

Pakistan's privacy framework is anchored in Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy. The Personal Data Protection Bill, currently pending parliamentary approval, would impose stricter controls on data collection, storage, and processing. The ECC's move aligns with the spirit of that pending legislation, pre-emptively addressing a technology gap.

Labour law in Pakistan, particularly the Factories Act 1934 and the Industrial Relations Act 2012, require employers to maintain safe and non-intrusive working conditions. While these statutes do not explicitly mention wearable cameras, the ECC's recommendation for workplace regulations seeks to fill that legislative void.

What Comes Next: Timeline and Next Steps

The Finance Division will circulate the detailed import-restriction guidelines to customs officials within the next week. Provincial governments are expected to release draft workplace regulations by the end of the next month, followed by a public consultation period of 30 days.

Stakeholders who wish to appeal a customs decision can file a petition with the Federal Board of Revenue within 15 days of the denial. The board will review appeals on a case-by-case basis, focusing on whether the device truly contains a functional camera.

Watch for announcements from the Ministry of Information Technology on any complementary cybersecurity standards that may affect future smart-device imports.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

If you are an employer considering smart-glass technology, begin by auditing any existing devices for camera capabilities and develop a clear consent policy for employees. For importers, verify the technical specifications of smart glasses with manufacturers before shipping to Pakistan to avoid customs delays.

Consumers interested in wearable tech should explore alternatives that do not include cameras, such as audio-only AR earbuds or non-recording heads-up displays, until the regulatory environment stabilises.

The ECC's decision reflects a broader global trend of governments scrutinising emerging surveillance technologies. As Pakistan moves to protect workplace privacy, the balance between innovation and personal rights will continue to shape policy debates.

Questions and answers

What devices are covered by the new ban?

The ban applies to any smart glasses that have a built-in camera, regardless of brand or country of origin.

Who announced the restriction on smart glasses?

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the ECC meeting that approved the restriction.

When must provinces introduce workplace rules for smart glasses?

Provincial governments and Islamabad Capital Territory have 60 days to develop appropriate workplace regulations.

How will customs enforce the ban?

Importers must obtain a licence from the Ministry of Commerce; customs will deny clearance for devices with cameras and return them to exporters.

What impact will the ban have on the tech market?

Industry estimates suggest the ban could cut smart-device imports by about Rs. 1.2 billion per year and force companies to seek non-camera alternatives.