Authorities Emphasize Lawful Use of Mosque Loudspeakers
KHARIAN — The Assistant Commissioner of Kharian, Ahmed Sher, chaired a meeting with local religious scholars and mosque leaders on Thursday to discuss the proper use of loudspeakers in accordance with government regulations. The meeting focused on maintaining public order and ensuring strict adherence to the Punjab Loudspeaker Act.
During the meeting, the Assistant Commissioner clarified that loudspeakers installed in mosques would be permitted only for the call to prayer (Adhan) and Friday sermons (Khutbahs). He emphasized that any violations of this directive would lead to legal action under the relevant laws.
Call for Cooperation from Religious Leaders
Ahmed Sher urged imams and mosque administrators to cooperate fully with local authorities. He highlighted that compliance would help maintain peace and public order while ensuring respect for community harmony. We seek the support of religious leaders to prevent disturbances and foster a disciplined environment in the locality, he said.
Context and Background
The Punjab Loudspeaker Act was introduced to regulate the use of amplified sound in religious and public gatherings. While the law allows mosques to broadcast the Adhān and Khutbahs, it prohibits other non-religious or excessive use of loudspeakers that could disrupt community life. In recent years, authorities in several districts of Punjab have intensified monitoring of loudspeaker use to balance religious practices with public tranquility.
The Khariān meeting reflects a broader effort by the Punjab government to strengthen law enforcement while maintaining good relations with local religious institutions. Officials hope that proactive dialogue with religious leaders will prevent complaints and ensure smooth compliance without confrontation.
Looking Ahead
The Assistant Commissioner also indicated that routine inspections of mosques would continue to ensure adherence to the regulations. He encouraged community members to report violations, stressing that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility.
This initiative aligns with ongoing provincial efforts to uphold public order while respecting religious freedoms, signaling a cautious but firm approach to noise regulation in urban and semi-urban areas.
