KARACHI:
Recently, I was on my way to Jamshoro from Tower Market, Hyderabad. Two female medical students were also aboard the same public bus. They seemed to be studying, trying to make a good use of the time wasted during travel. When the bus crossed Qasim Chowk, the driver started playing an Indian song. The volume of the song was extremely high to a point that it disturbed the students as well as other commuters. One of the students asked the conductor to turn off the cassette or at least lower the volume. Unfortunately, nothing was done and the request was blatantly ignored — not once but twice.
As a nation, we are not aware of the deleterious effects of noise pollution. Not many realise that consistent exposure to loud noise can also cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress. Moreover, not everyone has the capability or tolerance to withstand elevated sound levels. Some may face panic attacks while listening to loud sounds. The authorities concerned must take notice of music being played in the buses and ensure peaceful travel for commuters.
Furqan Hyder Shaikh
Jamshoro
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2021.
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