Punjab Launches ‘Digital Peace Barrier’ to Curb Sedition and Maintain Law and Order

Lahore, October 31 (By our Staff Reporter Muhammad Shahzad):
The Punjab government has announced the establishment of a ‘Digital Peace Barrier’ aimed at maintaining law and order across the province and preventing the spread of sedition, hate speech, and riots through digital platforms.

The decision was made during the 7th extraordinary meeting on law and order, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where several measures were approved to strengthen internal security.

Under the new policy, the use of loudspeakers will be strictly prohibited except for the call to prayer (Azaan) and Friday sermons, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enforcing the Loudspeaker Act.

To combat online extremism and hate speech, the provincial government has also established special monitoring units tasked with tracking and identifying individuals spreading inflammatory or divisive content online. Authorities confirmed that strict action will be taken under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against such offenders.

According to the government’s statement, no business, group, or individual will be allowed to use loudspeakers for public gatherings or private events, maintaining the existing exemption for mosques. The government also emphasized that CCTV surveillance and modern digital tools will be deployed to ensure full compliance.

Officials clarified that the crackdown will target only individuals or groups promoting sedition and extremism, assuring that registered religious organizations operating within the established code of conduct will not face restrictions.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also directed local administrations to maintain cleanliness and improve drainage systems around mosques throughout the province to facilitate worshippers.