Karachi court limits private access to Safe City cameras

A Karachi court has rejected a request to register a case against officials of a private bank over the alleged commercial use of cameras installed under the Safe City project.

The Additional Sessions Court South also issued directions to the Sindh Inspector General of Police regarding the use of the Safe City camera system. The court instructed police not to provide assistance to any financial institution without proper legal authorisation.

The court made it clear that the focal person of the private bank would not be allowed direct access to the Safe City system. It further ruled that even if legal permission is granted, access to the system would remain subject to appropriate security measures.

The court also observed that the private bank could pursue legal proceedings to recover its outstanding dues through the available legal channels.

The Sindh IG was directed to communicate the court’s orders to all relevant police authorities. The concerned police officials were also instructed to submit a report within 15 days regarding the applicable legal provisions.

The petition had alleged that Safe City cameras were being used by private entities for commercial purposes. The petitioner had sought legal action against officials of the private bank in connection with the alleged use of the surveillance system.

The court’s order places restrictions on access to the Safe City camera network and emphasises that police assistance and access to the system must remain within the limits of the law.