SWAT: On growing public complaints, the Swat police have banned illegal use of siren by private ambulances in the district.

Acting on directives from district police officer Umar Khan, SP traffic Habibullah Khan has banned the use of siren by private ambulances, warning of strict legal consequences for violations.

During a meeting held with the union of private ambulances, Mr Habibullah made it clear that no private (unregistered) ambulance was allowed to install or use siren on the roads. “If any driver is found using sirens unnecessarily, especially when there is no patient inside, legal action will be taken immediately,” he said, adding that installing siren on private vehicles was illegal and the drivers should refrain from doing so.

He noted that the loud, frequent siren had become a serious source of noise pollution and mental distress for the residents. “Swat has already been through trauma due to terrorism, floods, and displacement. Many people are still suffering from psychological issues. The loud siren only worsen their condition,” SP Habibullah added.

Over the past few years, the number of private ambulances in Swat has seen a significant increase. Many of them have illegally installed sirens, often using them even when they are not carrying patients.

This not only causes confusion and panic among other drivers but also leads to further congestion on already narrow roads.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2025