KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly witnessed a heated debate on Tuesday as it rejected a resolution tabled by MQM member Anil Kumar calling for a complete ban on the purchase and sale of alcohol across the province and the revocation of all existing liquor shop licenses. The resolution was met with firm opposition from the treasury benches, leading to its eventual dismissal.
While arguing for the prohibition, Kumar highlighted social and religious concerns associated with alcohol consumption. However, Sindh’s Law and Interior Minister, Zia Lanjar, stood in strong opposition. Minister Lanjar argued that an outright ban would deprive a “large segment” of the population, implicitly referring to the province’s non-Muslim minorities who are legally permitted to consume alcohol. In a pointed remark, he suggested the movers were being “a bit emotional” in their approach, emphasizing the need for pragmatic governance.
Following the debate, the house voted against the resolution. In the same session, two other resolutions moved by MQM member Qurat-ul-Ain Khan were also rejected. One of these resolutions focused on introducing life-skills based learning in educational institutions to prevent sexual abuse and child harassment. The other sought the formation of a special committee to scrutinize the performance and efficacy of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). The reasons for their rejection were not detailed in the immediate proceedings.
Remember that the Excise and Taxation Department of Balochistan has revealed that over 2.8 million liters of beer and 400,000 gallons of liquor were sold in the province during the fiscal year 2023–24, generating more than Rs1.02 billion in tax revenue.
According to official data presented in the Balochistan Assembly, the Excise Department has issued 58 licenses for liquor sales across 10 cities of Balcohistan.
The figures reveal that Quetta accounted for the highest sales, with 178,867 gallons of liquor and 729,167 liters of beer sold in the city. Hub followed with 106,400 gallons of liquor and 805,400 liters of beer sold. In Dera Allah Yar, 35,800 gallons of liquor and 105,500 liters of beer were sold during the same period.
