Punjab Government Implements Comprehensive Ban on Loudspeakers
The Punjab government has introduced a comprehensive ban on the use of loudspeakers for political, business, and religious gatherings. The exception to this rule includes the five daily calls to prayer (Azaan) and Friday sermons (Khutba). This decision is aimed at preventing incitement to violence and promoting peace and harmony across the province.
The move was approved during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday. This was the seventh consecutive meeting focused on law and order, where the provincial government also passed several new measures to maintain public order and curb hate speech.
Implementation Measures and Monitoring
To ensure strict compliance with the Loudspeaker Act, the meeting approved the installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of advanced monitoring technology. Individuals or groups found violating the Act or facilitating the presence of illegal foreign residents will face legal action.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and effective enforcement of law. “Punjab is the cradle of peace and will never be allowed to become a breeding ground for chaos and division,” she stated.
Mosque Renovation and Support Program
In an effort to preserve the sanctity of mosques, the meeting decided to launch a province-wide initiative for the renovation and restoration of mosques. The program includes improvements to access roads, drainage systems, and the provision of essential facilities.
The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure transparent and timely disbursement of stipends to over 65,000 mosque Imams under the new provincial support program. A digital mapping project for all mosques in Punjab has also been launched to maintain accurate and transparent data.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Hate Speech
Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy toward hate speech, the provincial government clarified that no restrictions have been placed on law-abiding religious organizations operating within the prescribed code of conduct. However, any individual or group found spreading hatred, falsehood, or incitement through loudspeakers or social media will face strict prosecution under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Crackdown on Illegal Weapons and Foreign Nationals
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing crackdown against illegal weapons and unauthorized foreign residents. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction over public cooperation in surrendering unlicensed arms and directed authorities to ensure decisive action against those concealing or aiding illegal weapons.
She also announced stringent penalties for individuals or groups facilitating the stay of illegal foreign nationals in Punjab. “Those who spread hate or chaos under any guise will face the full force of the law,” the Chief Minister reiterated.
Key Points Summary
- Loudspeaker Ban: Complete ban on loudspeakers for political, business, and religious gatherings, except for Azaan and Khutba.
- Monitoring Technology: Installation of CCTV cameras and advanced monitoring to ensure compliance.
- Legal Action: Individuals violating the Act or aiding illegal foreign residents will face stern legal consequences.
- Mosque Renovation: Province-wide initiative to renovate and restore mosques, including improved infrastructure and digital mapping.
- Support for Imams: Transparent disbursement of stipends to over 65,000 mosque Imams.
- Hate Speech Crackdown: Strict prosecution under PECA for those spreading hatred or incitement.
- Illegal Weapons: Ongoing efforts to confiscate unlicensed arms and penalize those harboring illegal foreign nationals.