KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday rejected a resolution seeking a province-wide ban on the sale and purchase of liquor, following a debate that at times turned light-hearted.
The motion was tabled by MQM-P lawmaker Anil Kumar, who argued that alcohol sales in the name of minority communities were damaging the reputation of the Hindu community. Kumar called for the cancellation of all existing liquor shop licences and the implementation of a full prohibition across the province, claiming it would serve public interest and uphold social values.
The resolution faced opposition from multiple lawmakers, including Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, who noted that a blanket ban would affect different segments of society.
Lanjar described the proposal as a personal opinion and highlighted that alcohol sales in the province are already regulated through a controlled licensing system, primarily for non-Muslim citizens and foreigners, under existing laws.
During the debate, members of various parties shared their perspectives, with moments of levity and laughter punctuating the session. After discussions concluded, the motion was put to a vote and rejected by a majority.
Following the vote, the speaker adjourned the session until Friday afternoon, closing the chapter on the proposed liquor ban while reaffirming the province’s regulated licensing framework for alcohol.
