Pak declares war on loudspeakers in bid to rein in hate speeches!

Islamabad, Nov 6 (ANI): The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed "The West Pakistan Regulation and Control of Loudspeakers and Sound Amplifiers (Amendment) Bill, 2007", setting out a one-year imprisonment term for misuse of loudspeakers.

Minister of State for Interior Tasneem Qureshi presented the bill in the Lower House, and termed it as necessary to control sectarianism, which had been affecting the law and order situation in the country, The Nation reported.

In the amendment bill, the imprisonment was extended for a term not exceeding one year or a fine, which may extend to 50,000 rupees or with both, said Qureshi.

The minister said that the law would only be implemented in the territory of the Federal Capital.

"The bill would prevent the misuse of the loudspeakers and amplifiers. Various religious leaders belonging to different sects use loudspeakers for propaganda resulting in violence among different sects. To curb this violation it is mandatory to enhance the punishment," he added. (ANI)