THIS is with reference to the letter ‘Wither DHA rules’ (May 3). We would like to bring to the attention of DHA administration a similar overnight change, which also has illegally-installed loudspeakers. A complaint was made to the DHA Administrator and the Director of Security, but no action has been taken thus far.

As things unfolded, it was first noticed that some loudspeakers had been installed on the rooftop of an apartment block facing the Nishat Park in Nishat Commercial area in DHA Phase VI. Later, a signboard was installed outside the basement of the said premises, announcing the establishment of an Islamic institute. At present, the loudspeakers of this so-called institute, which is not labelled as a mosque, are only being used to broadcast the call for prayers. As per the DHA rules, such a call can only be broadcast by legally designated mosques in DHA.

The fear is that these loudspeakers will be used at a later date for other activities as well. Also, suspicious people have been seen visiting this particular building. We would like to clarify that there is no opposition to any legal religious institution at all. Again, as mentioned in the letter cited above, a large mosque is already present at about 400 meters just adjacent to the CBC head office.

Also, the fear is that if without proper authorisation, the DHA allows certain groups and sects of citizens to build private places of worship with loudspeakers, then other groups and sects will also be emboldened to build their own private places of worships with their own sets of loudspeakers in close vicinity of each other. Eventually, a time will come when this might lead to a law and order situation with the competition between different sects, especially with the undue use of loudspeakers during months of significance for one sect or the other.

In the larger interest of peace and serenity, only DHA-designated places of worship should be allowed the use of loudspeakers. All the residents of DHA are proud of the fact that the DHA is the pioneer society where the rule of law is strictly followed. In fact, this is the main reason why people from other areas of Karachi prefer to come and reside in this prestigious locality. We sincerely hope that the DHA will take the appropriate action in this regard.

Concerned DHA citizens
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2021