# Punjab Govt Bans Camera-Enabled Smart Glasses for 30 Days

> Punjab government bans camera-enabled smart glasses and disguised cameras for 30 days to protect privacy and public order.
- Title: Punjab Govt Bans Camera-Enabled Smart Glasses for 30 Days
- Summary: Punjab government bans camera-enabled smart glasses and disguised cameras for 30 days to protect privacy and public order. Punjab government bans use and…
- Keywords: punjab government, camera-enabled smart glasses, ban, privacy, public order, security risks, lhr high court, meta, news, politics, Punjab, Govt
- Source: Dawn — https://dawn.com/news/2038582/punjab-govt-bans-use-sale-of-camera-enabled-smart-glasses-for-30-days
- Author: Mansoor Malik
- Published: 2026-10-20T19:09:01+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: punjab government, camera-enabled smart glasses, ban, privacy, public order, security risks, lhr high court, meta, news, politics
## Punjab Government Bans Camera-Enabled Smart Glasses
Punjab government issued an order banning use and sale of camera-enabled smart glasses and miniature cameras disguised as everyday objects for 30 days.

> No person shall wear or operate 'camera-enabled smart glasses with hidden recording ability' or 'miniature cameras with recording ability disguised as everyday objects such as pen, keychain, etc.'
## Ban Under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code
The restriction was notified by Punjab Home Department secretary using powers from section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
## Excluded Devices
The ban excludes laptops, handheld tablets, mobile phones, and terminal equipment approved by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
## Retail Restrictions
Retailers, wholesale dealers, traders, and distributors are banned from selling or offering these devices online or off the shelf.
## Risk to Public Order
Unrestricted use of these devices could pose serious risks to public order, individual privacy, particularly women and children, security of sensitive data, and institutional integrity.
## High-Risk Areas
Airports, examination centers, secure government establishments, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, court premises, and public places are identified as high-risk areas.
## Imminent Threats
The use of such devices creates an imminent apprehension of secret recording, breach of privacy, security, or unauthorized transmission of protected information.
## Public Safety Justification
Immediate preventive action is necessary to ensure public safety, integrity, and dignity of persons, particularly women and children, and maintenance of order within Punjab.
## Ban Duration
The ban remains in effect for 30 days unless withdrawn earlier, with immediate enforcement.
## Law Enforcement Exemption
Authorised law enforcement personnel are exempt from the restriction.
## Lahore High Court Involvement
The Lahore High Court has been seized with a public interest petition challenging unregulated import and sale of camera and mic-equipped smart glasses.
## Meta's Role
Meta has faced pushback for its AI-powered smart glasses, with critics dubbing them 'pervert glasses' despite not officially listing Pakistan as a market.
## LHC Directive
The Lahore High Court directed the federal government to forward a summary to the federal cabinet regarding unregulated import and sale of smart glasses.
## Key takeaway

Punjab government bans use and sale of camera-enabled smart glasses for 30 days to prevent privacy breaches and security risks.