Loud Music Leads to Arrest
In Pattoki, a town in Pakistan’s Kasur district, police arrested a man for playing music at an excessively high volume. The individual was reportedly listening to songs by the legendary Pakistani singer Noor Jehan in Habibabad, a local neighborhood, when authorities intervened.
According to police officials, they confiscated the amplifier and speakers used to play the music. The man has been booked under the Punjab Sound System Act, legislation aimed at controlling noise pollution in public and residential areas.
Video Evidence Captured
Authorities also revealed that a video of the incident has emerged, showing the individual playing the music at high volume. Police say such recordings are increasingly used to support legal actions under sound pollution laws.
Noise Regulations in Punjab
The Punjab Sound System Act allows authorities to regulate the use of loudspeakers, amplifiers, and other sound-producing devices. Similar cases have occurred across the province, including another incident in Okara where a man faced legal action for playing music loudly, highlighting the law’s consistent enforcement. Violations can result in fines, confiscation of equipment, and, in some cases, temporary detention. The law is part of broader efforts across Pakistan to reduce noise pollution, which has been linked to health concerns such as stress, sleep disturbances, and hearing problems.
Public Reactions
While some residents have expressed support for enforcing noise regulations, others have criticized the arrest, arguing that playing music should not lead to criminal charges if done responsibly. Experts suggest that the law aims to balance public peace with cultural and personal freedoms, a challenge in densely populated urban and semi-urban areas.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension in Pakistan between maintaining community tranquility and respecting individual expression. Authorities continue to urge citizens to follow noise regulations and avoid using loudspeakers or amplifiers in residential neighborhoods without proper permissions.
