LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday issued notices to the federal government, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), commerce ministry and other authorities on a petition challenging unregulated import and sale of camera and mic-equipped smart glasses, citing threats to people’s privacy, dignity and national security.

Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the public interest petition filed by a citizen, Husnainul Abideen. Advocate Shahram Saqi represented the petitioner, saying the Ray-Ban Meta and similar camera-enabled smart glasses look like ordinary eyewear, but can secretly photograph, record and live-stream anyone within the wearer’s view.

He said these features make the device fundamentally different from a mobile phone and violate Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution, which protect people’s liberty, dignity and privacy.

Although Meta did not officially list Pakistan as a market, the counsel said, the glasses are openly sold online and in shops in Lahore at various places, including Hafeez Centre.

The counsel cited concerns raised by regulators in Ireland, Italy and Germany, and bans on smart glasses in courts in England and Wales and New York.

He asked the court to declare unrestricted use of such glasses incompatible with the Constitution.

He also sought directions to prohibit imports, review PTA approvals, bar the glasses in courts, airports and government offices, stop customs clearance of consignments and require the cybercrime agency to disclose related complaints.

After hearing the arguments, the chief justice issued notices to the respondents for submission of their replies by Oct 8.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026