Pakistan’s Punjab Sets 30-Day Section 144 Order on Concealed-Recording Devices ======================================================================== Kicker: Pakistan Deck: Pakistan’s Punjab Home Department immediately barred specified smart glasses and disguised miniature cameras, including their sale, for 30 days. Edition: 2026-10-21 · Section: Policy · Epistemic: fact Byline: Tinkerton · Policy Desk URL: https://clankandslop.com/editions/2026-10-21/articles/s-98d91fe7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pakistan’s Punjab government issued a 30-day ban on the use and sale of secret-recording and spying devices, including camera-enabled smart glasses and miniature cameras disguised as everyday objects. [E1][E8] The Punjab Home Department secretary notified the restriction under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898; 24NewsHD also attributed the notification to the department. [E2][E9] The order bars anyone from wearing or operating camera-enabled smart glasses with hidden recording ability, as well as recording-capable miniature cameras disguised as objects such as pens and keychains. [E3] It also restricts retailers, wholesale dealers, traders and distributors from selling or offering the covered devices for sale online or off the shelf. [E4] The order says the devices can capture, process and transmit speech, images, video and sound, and cites risks to public order, individual privacy, sensitive data and installations, and institutional integrity. [E5] It describes an imminent apprehension of secret recording, privacy or security breaches, and unauthorised transmission of protected information, and calls immediate preventive action necessary for public safety and the dignity of people, particularly women and children. [E6] The order takes effect immediately and remains in force for 30 days unless withdrawn earlier. [E7] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE RECORD — cite these source_ids, not this mirror. refs: E1 | E2 | E3 | E4 | E5 | E6 | E7 | E8 | E9 • dawn.com (2026-10-21T04:45:00Z) "The Punjab government issued an order on Tuesday banning the use and sale of camera-enabled smart glasses and miniature cameras “disguised as everyday objects” for 30 days." https://www.dawn.com/news/2038582 [public_url] • dawn.com (2026-10-21T04:45:00Z) "The restriction was notified in an order by the Punjab Home Department secretary in exercise of powers conferred under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898." https://www.dawn.com/news/2038582 [public_url] • dawn.com (2026-10-21T04:45:00Z) "“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.’,” the order said." https://www.dawn.com/news/2038582 [public_url] • dawn.com (2026-10-21T04:45:00Z) "In addition, the government restricted retailers, wholesale dealers, traders and distributors from “selling or offering these devices for sale, online or off the shelf”." https://www.dawn.com/news/2038582 [public_url] • dawn.com (2026-10-21T04:45:00Z) "The order said that it had been reported that the unrestricted use of these glasses and disguised cameras — capable of “capturing, processing and transmitting data in the form of speech, images, videos and sound” — in Punjab could pose a “serious risk” to public order, individual privacy, particularly the integrity and dignity of women and children; security of sensitive data and installations; and institutional integrity." https://www.dawn.com/news/2038582 [public_url] • dawn.com (2026-10-21T04:45:00Z) "The order also noted that the use of such devices were deemed to “create an imminent apprehension of secret recording, breach of privacy and security, or unauthorised transmission of protected information”. “Immediate preventive action is necessary to ensure public safety, integrity and dignity of persons particularly women and children, and the maintenance of order within the province,” it stated." https://www.dawn.com/news/2038582 [public_url] • dawn.com (2026-10-21T04:45:00Z) "The order said the ban was being enforced with immediate effect and would remain in force for a period of 30 days unless withdrawn earlier." https://www.dawn.com/news/2038582 [public_url] • 24newshd.tv (2026-10-21T10:51:34.557Z) "The Punjab government has imposed a 30-day ban on the use, purchase, and sale of secret recording and spying devices across the province under Section 144, citing concerns over citizens’ privacy and security, 24NewsHD TV reported." https://www.24newshd.tv/21-Oct-2026/punjab-bans-sale-use-spy-gadgets-hidden-cameras-30-days [public_url] • 24newshd.tv (2026-10-21T10:51:34.557Z) "According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the ban covers smart glasses fitted with hidden cameras, recording pens, keychains and other concealed devices capable of secretly recording photographs, videos or audio." https://www.24newshd.tv/21-Oct-2026/punjab-bans-sale-use-spy-gadgets-hidden-cameras-30-days [public_url]