Liquor bottles lie strewn outside a specialty liquor shop in DHA on Korangi Road. Photo: Express
KARACHI:
The Sindh Assembly rejected a resolution seeking a province-wide ban on the purchase and sale of liquor after a debate that turned light-hearted at several points during the session.
The resolution was moved by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) legislator Anil Kumar, who called for the cancellation of liquor shop licenses across the province.
Kumar argued that alcohol was being sold in the name of minorities, which he claimed brought the Hindu community into disrepute. He demanded that the provincial government withdraw all existing permits granted to liquor shops and impose a complete ban on the sale of liquor in Sindh.
The proposal sought strict restrictions on the sale of alcohol, stating that such a measure would align with the public interest and social values. However, the resolution met with opposition in the assembly.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said imposing a blanket ban would affect multiple segments of society. He called the proposal “Kumar’s personal opinion” and said the government could not support it because alcohol sales were already regulated by existing laws.
In Sindh, alcoholic beverages are sold under a controlled licensing system, mainly to non-Muslim citizens and foreigners, in accordance with legal provisions.
Lawmakers from various parties expressed their views during the debate. At several points, the discussion provoked laughter in the House before the resolution was put to a vote and rejected by a majority.
Once the agenda was completed, the speaker suspended the session until Friday afternoon.
MQM-P MPA, in conversation with The Express PAkGazette said that it was very deplorable that the resolution against sale of liquor was rejected. He said the manufacturing, sale and consumption of liquor is prohibited in the Hindu religion. “Not in our name!” He said strongly rejecting the government’s claim that liquor sales are for minorities. “If Muslims want to drink, they should find legal loopholes, instead of buying and drinking the prohibited drink in the name of the Hindu community,” the lawmaker stressed.
He alleged that the license for the specialty liquor store is a big scandal where bribes and gratification go from top to bottom in the PPP government.
Most of the poor Indian population cannot afford the Pakistani brand liquor sold in government excise shops.
Liquor license holders acquire copies of CNICs of poor minority people and obtain permits in their names. These permits are used to sell liquor to walk-in customers who only have legal tender to obtain the prohibited beverage. It has been observed that anyone can approach the counter of a specialty liquor store, request the desired bottle, pay the price and walk away. No questions were asked.
Meanwhile, leaders of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat Pakistan (Karachi chapter) have termed the Sindh Assembly’s rejection of a resolution seeking to ban liquor as “deeply regrettable”, saying it had embarrassed Muslims across the country.
