Authorities in Punjab prohibited gadgets equipped with concealed cameras and recording tools, such as watches, eyeglasses and pens, pointing to worries about privacy and personal data abuse.
The Punjab Home Department announced in a Monday statement that the decision protects the public, especially children and women, from secret monitoring. Officials cautioned that buying, selling or using spy gadgets will bring strict legal consequences, and unlawful application could lead to heavy punishments.
According to the department, authorities gathered reports regarding hidden recording gear used for blackmail, harassment and unlawful monitoring.
Punjab Home Secretary Ahmad Javed Qazi mentioned to Dawn that a formal notification enacting the restriction will be released by authorities shortly. He noted that the advance notice gives individuals an opportunity to discard the banned merchandise.
At the same time, the Lahore High Court is reviewing a public interest lawsuit opposing the unmonitored sale and import of camera- and microphone-equipped smart glasses. The legal challenge addresses worries regarding national security, personal dignity and privacy.
The lawyer representing the petitioner stated in court that smart glasses powered by Meta artificial intelligence are sold in Lahore stores and online, even though Pakistan lacks official market status for the item.
