KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to form a dedicated Narcotics Force to combat the drug menace in the province.
Talking to the media after a meeting of the Standing Committee on Interior, Sindh Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar announced that the newly formed Narcotics Force and the police would work together against drugs. He also revealed that discussions were held regarding the delegation of powers to the police in relation to the Narcotics Force.
Addressing the ongoing Pinki cases, Lanjar stated that there are twelve such cases in Sindh, one with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and five in Punjab. “No element involved in the Pinki case will be spared,” he vowed.
Sindh Assembly rejects proposal for province-wide alcohol ban
Last month Sindh Assembly 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.
