Petition in LHC seeks ban on sale of liquor

LAHORE: A constitutional petition seeking a ban on sale of liquor in Punjab was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday, ARY News reported.

A citizen, Nadeem Sarwar, moved the petition, contending that only non-Muslims are permitted to purchase liquor on their festivals under the Constitution but it is being sold at hotels and shops throughout the year in connivance with government officials.

He stated that even other religions don’t permit consumption of alcohol and non-Muslims are required to get a certificate from their religious leader to get liquor.

The petitioner lamented that the excise department has failed to take any action in this regard and pleaded with the court to order it to stop the illegal sale of liquor.

Earlier in March 2017, the Supreme Court had suspended the Sindh High Court (SHC) stay order against liquor sale in Sindh.

During the course of the hearing, the bench remarked that 1989 law pertaining to sale of liquor existed and on violation of the law police can be approached.

The top court termed the SHC verdict regarding ban on liquor sale and closure of shops against the law.