ECC Restricts Import of Camera-Enabled Smart Glasses in Pakistan

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet has approved restrictions on the import of smart glasses equipped with cameras, citing concerns over how the devices may be used in workplaces. The decision was taken at a meeting of the committee chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division on Wednesday.

Alongside the import curbs, the committee recommended that provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory administration develop suitable regulations to govern the use of camera-enabled smart glasses in workplace settings. The move signals growing official scrutiny of wearable devices that can record video discreetly.

Products such as Meta's camera-equipped smart glasses have drawn attention globally because they allow users to capture photos and video with little indication to people nearby. The ECC's decision reflects similar privacy and consent worries raised by regulators in other markets.

The recommendations place the responsibility for day-to-day workplace rules on provincial authorities and the capital territory, while the federal government moves to limit imports of the devices. Details on the scope of the import restrictions and their implementation timeline were not immediately available.

The decision is expected to affect the availability of imported smart glasses in Pakistan's consumer market, where such wearables have been gaining popularity among tech enthusiasts. Importers and retailers may need to adjust their product lines in response to the new restrictions.

The ECC is a key federal body that coordinates economic policy decisions across ministries, and its approvals typically guide subsequent action by relevant departments. Further guidance on enforcement and compliance is anticipated as provinces work on their own workplace regulations.