ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought an explanation from the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding the sale of alcohol in the country.
According to details, a single member bench of the high court comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani was presiding over a case seeking a ban on the sale of alcohol.
The Pakistan United Christian Movement and the Centre for Rule of Law had filed an application in the court arguing that consumption of alcohol was prohibited in almost every religion, therefore, the practice of selling liquor should be banned countrywide.
The counsel of the petitioners presented a list of 340 license holders who were selling liquor in the country. The judge asked clerics from all religions to assist the court in the case while directing the religious affairs ministry to file a response on the matter.
The hearing was then adjourned for an indefinite period.
Earlier, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice had rejected the constitutional amendment bill proposed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Dr Ramesh Kumar seeking a complete ban on consumption of alcohol in Pakistan.
According to reports, the committee had dubbed the bill ‘a publicity stunt’ and ‘a mischievous act’.
Dr Ramesh had requested parliament to amend Article 37 of the Constitution which allows the consumption of alcohol for minorities in the country.
He had called for proscribing the trade license of alcohol for the Hindu community as “it is against the teachings of their religion”.