The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to the federal government, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), commerce ministry and other authorities over a petition challenging the import and sale of camera and microphone-equipped smart glasses.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by citizen Husnainul Abideen. Advocate Shahram Saqi represented the petitioner and raised concerns over the use of Ray-Ban Meta and similar smart glasses.
Saqi said that the glasses resemble ordinary eyewear but can photograph, record and live-stream people within the wearer’s view without their knowledge.
He argued that these features set the glasses apart from mobile phones and violate Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution, which protect liberty, dignity and privacy.
The lawyer told the court that although Meta does not officially list Pakistan as a market for the glasses, people can still buy them online and from shops in Lahore, including those at Hafeez Centre.
He also referred to concerns raised by regulators in Ireland, Italy and Germany over such devices. He mentioned restrictions on smart glasses in courts in England and Wales as well as New York.
The petitioner asked the LHC to declare the unrestricted use of camera-equipped smart glasses incompatible with constitutional protections.
He also requested directions to stop their import, review approvals issued by the PTA and restrict their use in courts, airports and government offices.
The petition further sought orders for customs authorities to stop clearing consignments of the glasses and for the cybercrime agency to provide details of complaints linked to the devices.
After hearing the arguments, the chief justice issued notices to the federal government, PTA, commerce ministry and other respondents. The court directed them to submit their replies by Oct 8.
