Liquor bottles lie littered outside an Excise Liquor Shop in DHA on Korangi Road. Photo: Express
KARACHI:
The Sindh Assembly has rejected a resolution seeking a province-wide ban on the sale and purchase 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) lawmaker Anil Kumar, who called for the cancellation of liquor shop licences across the province.
Kumar argued that alcohol was being sold in the name of minorities, which he said brought disrepute to the Hindu community. He demanded that the provincial government withdraw all existing permits issued to liquor shops and impose a complete ban on liquor sales in Sindh.
The proposal sought strict restrictions on alcohol sales, stating that such a move would align with public interest and social values. However, the resolution was opposed in the assembly.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said imposing a blanket ban would affect multiple segments of society. He termed the proposal ‘Kumar’s personal opinion’ and said the government could not support it as alcohol sales were already regulated under existing laws.
In Sindh, liquor is sold under a controlled licensing system, primarily to non-Muslim citizens and foreigners, in accordance with legal provisions.
Lawmakers from various parties expressed their views during the debate. At several moments, the discussion drew laughter in the House before the resolution was put to a vote and rejected by a majority.
After completing the agenda, the speaker adjourned the session until Friday afternoon.
MQM-P MPA, while talking to The Express Tribune said that it was highly deplorable that the resolution against the sale of liquor was rejected. He said that manufacture, sale and consumption of liquor is prohibited in the Hindu religion. “Not in our name!” He said forcefully rejecting the govt’s contention that liquor sale is for minorities. “If Muslims want to imbibe, they should find loopholes themselves, 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 Excise Liquor Shop is a huge racket where bribes and gratification run from top to bottom in the PPP government.
The majority of the poor Hindu populace cannot afford the branded Pakistani liquor sold at the govt-owned Excise Shops.
Liquor shop licences owners acquire copies of CNICs of poor people from the minorities and get permits in their name. These permits are used to sell liquor to walk-in- customers who have only legal tender to get the prohibited drink. It has been observed that anyone can walk up to the counter of an Excise Liquor Shop, request the desired bottle, pay the price and walk away. No questions asked.
Meanwhile, leaders of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat Pakistan (Karachi chapter) have termed the Sindh Assembly’s rejection of a resolution seeking a ban on liquor “deeply regrettable,” saying it had embarrassed Muslims across the country.
