One-dish policy extended to farmhouses and open-air venues to curb extravagance.
Punjab Tightens Grip on Loud Events and Lavish Weddings as Maryam Nawaz Orders Strict Compliance
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a sweeping enforcement drive targeting illegal loudspeaker use and extravagant wedding practices, directing administrators across the province to ensure strict adherence to noise control laws and the official one-dish rule.
In a directive issued Saturday, the CM instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to actively monitor Qawwali gatherings, marriage halls, farmhouses, and open-air venues, warning that unauthorized loudspeaker use and excessive noise will result in legal action.
Crackdown on Loudspeakers and Event Timings
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the recurring misuse of loudspeakers — especially during night events — is contributing to noise pollution and disturbing public peace.
The government has ordered:
- Real-time monitoring of events
- Restrictions on marriage hall working hours
- Immediate action against organizers violating noise limits
In an unusual accountability measure, officials who fail to implement the regulations will be barred from attending wedding functions themselves — a signal of the administration’s intent to ensure full compliance.
One-Dish Rule Expanded Beyond Marriage Halls
The Punjab government has now expanded the one-dish policy to:
- Farmhouses
- Open grounds
- Private functions beyond formal wedding halls
The policy aims to discourage wasteful spending, limit food excess, and ensure that social events remain affordable and modest. District administration officers have been instructed to personally supervise and document compliance.
Events found flouting the rule will face legal and administrative penalties.
Government’s Stated Objectives
Officials say the campaign is designed to:
- Reduce social extravagance
- Promote discipline in public gatherings
- Decrease environmental and noise pollution
- Strengthen implementation of existing regulations
Authorities argue that public inconvenience caused by loud events has reached “unacceptable levels,” necessitating decisive government action.
While the Punjab government frames the crackdown as a measure to promote social discipline and environmental well-being, critics raise several concerns:
- Overregulation risks: Some argue that excessive state intrusion into private events may ignite public frustration, especially among lower- and middle-income families who may view the restrictions as disproportionate.
- Implementation challenges: Historically, noise and menu laws have been inconsistently enforced, raising doubts about whether officials can sustain long-term compliance.
- Selective enforcement fears: Civil rights advocates caution that such policies could be unevenly applied, with politically connected individuals potentially receiving exemptions.
- Cultural pushback: Weddings and Qawwali events hold deep cultural significance; restricting them through strict state controls may lead to resistance or workaround practices.
Nevertheless, supporters say the initiative is necessary to combat noise pollution and curb unnecessary spending.
What happened?
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz ordered strict enforcement of loudspeaker laws and the one-dish rule at weddings and social events.
Why does it matter?
The move targets noise pollution, excessive spending, and longstanding non-compliance with event regulations.
Where was it announced?
The directives were issued from Lahore to all districts across Punjab.
How will it be enforced?
Through monitoring teams, legal penalties, restricted hall timings, and administrative accountability for officials.