RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi district police have imposed a ban on use of loudspeakers in mosques, other than call to prayer and Friday’s sermons, and warned that legal action would be initiated against those found violating the ban.

In a directive, city police officer (CPO) instructed all station house officers (SHOs) and informed the senior superintendent of police operation, divisional SPs, and DSPOs, to implement a ban on loudspeakers use, except for call to prayer and Friday’s sermon.

The CPO also directed to submit their certificates with his officer till Monday (today) and ensure the implementation of his directive. Except for Azan and Friday speeches, the Rawalpindi district police have prohibited the use of loudspeakers in mosques.

A police official said that the ban on use of loudspeakers was to curb extremism and terrorism as part of the National Action Plan announced in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Army Public School Peshawar and recent wave of terrorism in the country.

Meanwhile, a body of an unidentified man was found from the bank of Soan River in Chakri area on Sunday.

Initial police report suggested that a resident of Bilawal reported to the police that a body of an unidentified man who seems to be between 35 and 40 years old was found lying on the bank of Soan River. Later the police reached the spot and shifted the body to hospital.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2025