By webdesk 
Police Take Action Under Punjab Loudspeaker Act
In a rather unusual incident, police in Kasur’s Pattoki area arrested a man for playing a Madam Noor Jahan song at an excessively high volume. According to reports, the arrest was made after residents complained about the loud music disrupting peace in the neighborhood.
Law enforcement officers confiscated the man’s amplifier and speaker system as part of the operation. A formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered under the Punjab Loudspeaker Act, 2015 — a law that strictly regulates the use of sound systems in public and private spaces to prevent public disturbance.
Officials confirmed that the act of playing songs at such a loud level constituted a direct violation of the law, which prohibits any sound that may be considered a nuisance or source of annoyance to others in the vicinity.
Understanding the Punjab Loudspeaker Act
The Punjab Loudspeaker Act, enacted in 2015, was designed to preserve public order and prevent the misuse of sound amplification devices. The legislation specifically targets the use of loudspeakers for political gatherings, religious sermons, and personal entertainment when they cause unnecessary noise.
According to the Act, individuals are prohibited from using loudspeakers or sound systems that create “loud, unnecessary or unusual noise” likely to disturb peace, health, or comfort in surrounding areas. Violations can result in fines, confiscation of equipment, or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
Authorities have stated that the enforcement of this law is part of broader efforts to maintain peace across Punjab, especially near sensitive locations such as hospitals, educational institutions, and residential zones.
A Reminder of Stringent Enforcement
This incident in Pattoki underscores how strictly the provincial government is enforcing the Loudspeaker Act. While the law is often applied to political rallies or unauthorized public gatherings, the case demonstrates that even private entertainment activities fall within its scope if they disturb others.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the arrest. Some supported the move, stating that loud music has become a growing nuisance in neighborhoods, while others felt that the arrest was excessive and that the issue could have been resolved through a warning.
Law enforcement officials, however, defended the action, emphasizing that the measure was necessary to uphold community peace and deter similar violations in the future.
Public Reaction and Broader Context
The incident has sparked conversation on social media about the balance between personal freedom and community responsibility. Many users debated whether playing music at home — even loudly — should warrant such strict legal consequences.
Officials reiterated that the intent of the law is not to target cultural expression but to ensure respect for others’ comfort and tranquility. They reminded citizens that even beloved classics by icons like Madam Noor Jahan must be enjoyed responsibly and within legal sound limits.