The Islamabad district administration has imposed a wide-ranging ban on loudspeakers, fireworks, public gatherings, and several other activities for the next two months to maintain public order and prevent sectarian unrest.
According to multiple notifications issued by Additional District Magistrate Sahibzada Muhammad Yousaf, the use of loudspeakers, sound systems, and amplifiers has been prohibited across the federal capital except for Azan and Friday sermons.
The orders also ban cassette players, CD/DVD systems, and any medium used to deliver sectarian or objectionable speeches. The administration has further prohibited the use of newspapers or rough papers containing Quranic verses for wrapping or packaging.
In a separate directive, the stocking, sale, purchase, or use of crackers and fireworks has been outlawed. Displaying or carrying firearms is also banned for all individuals except personnel of the armed forces, Rangers, police, and paramilitary units.
The administration has additionally barred all forms of boating at Rawal and Simly dams and prohibited the illegal sale or unsafe storage of petrol in local agencies.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and stone extraction through blasting or crushing has also been restricted.
The distribution of handbills, pamphlets, posters, or wall chalking aimed at offending any religious sect has been banned.
Moreover, all gatherings of five or more people, including processions and demonstrations, are prohibited within Islamabad’s revenue limits.
To curb mosquito breeding, authorities have outlawed the accumulation of fresh water in scrap yards, buildings, and public facilities, as well as the unauthorized display or storage of tyres.
The district administration confirmed that all restrictions will remain in force for two months.