The hope that women in Pakistan could move through public spaces with greater freedom has once again been overshadowed by a new technology that raises fresh concerns about privacy, surveillance and the country’s deeply rooted notions of ‘honour’.
Meta launched its latest smart glasses on June 23, 2026, at a significantly lower price than its previous model. The new version starts at $299, or around Rs83,000, compared with the original 2025 model, which cost $799, or more than Rs221,000. The glasses were developed through Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban.
Meta Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth has highlighted affordability as a key part of the company’s strategy, saying the product needs to be available across a wider range of markets and price points. With companies such as Apple and Google also working on smart eyewear, wearable cameras are increasingly shifting from niche gadgets to mainstream consumer technology potentially bringing them within reach of users in markets such as Pakistan.
At first glance, Meta’s smart glasses resemble conventional Ray-Bans. However, they come equipped with cameras, microphones, speakers and Meta’s AI assistant, allowing users to record images and audio, interact with the assistant and livestream content.
While their appearance may be similar to inexpensive imitation sunglasses commonly sold on Pakistani streets, the technology built into these glasses raises a very different set of concerns. Their discreet cameras and microphones can potentially capture images, conversations and activities involving people who may not realise they are being recorded.
