RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi district police have enforced a strict ban on the use of loudspeakers in mosques, limiting their use only to the call to prayer (Azan) and Friday sermons. Any violation of this restriction will result in legal action, authorities have warned.
According to a directive issued by the City Police Officer (CPO), all Station House Officers (SHOs) have been instructed to ensure compliance with the new policy. Senior police officials, including the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Divisional Superintendents of Police (SPs), and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), have also been informed about the decision. The CPO has further ordered officers to submit compliance reports to his office by Monday (today).
A police spokesperson stated that the restriction is part of efforts to counter extremism and terrorism under the National Action Plan, which was introduced following the tragic Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar. The recent surge in extremist and terrorist incidents has also prompted authorities to reinforce security measures.
The Rawalpindi police have urged all religious institutions to adhere to the ban, emphasizing that any breach will be dealt with strictly under the law.
