A Pakistani court today ordered the Sindh government to shut all the liquor shops across the southern province, where a sizeable number of minorities including Hindus reside.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) in the provincial capital Karachi issued the verdict after hearing two petitions, seeking closure of illegal liquor shops in the province.
The representatives of Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities also appeared before the court, saying that consuming liquor, on occasions other than specific religious festivals, is prohibited in their respective religions.
The court also ordered to cancel license of all liquor shops in Sindh where alcohol was openly sold to customers, Dawn reported.
Irfan Ali of Thatta district argued in his petition that a liquor shop had been operating near a school in his locality, the paper said.
He also mentioned that liquor was easily accessible to all, including Muslims and minors as alcohol was being sold less than 50 meters away from Muslim colonies.
The second petitioner, Sheryar David, a resident of Karachi pointed out to the presence of 15 illegal wine shops in the city.
During the hearing of the case, police also submitted a report, affirming the allegations that several liquor shops were operating in violation of rules.
After the SHC ordered the Sindh government to shut all the liquor shops across the province on Thursday, police in Badin and Thar District's capital Mithi closed down two wine shops.
Alcohol is banned in Pakistan but non-Muslims can buy and consume it after getting special permits from authorities.
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