ANP leader calls for death penalty for politicians who consume alcohol

Shahi Syed says alcohol is manufactured in the country for Hindu community but mainly consumed by Muslims

ISLAMABAD: Awami National Party (ANP) leader Shahi Syed on Friday suggested politicians who consume alcohol should be given the death penalty to set an example.

"Only the poor suffer, but politicians set an example and should be punished for consuming alcohol," said Shahi Syed while speaking to The Express Tribune.



The ANP leader's comments came after Rehman Malik suggested awarding capital punishment to people involved in manufacturing toxic liquor under a new law.

“In a lighter vein, I would suggest to test all politicians to determine whether or not they drink alcohol,” Malik said while chairing a Standing Committee of Interior and Narcotics on Friday. Malik directed the secretary interior to submit a report on cases registered against manufacturers and suppliers of toxic liquor.

At least 47 people were recently killed after consuming toxic liquor in Toba Tek Singh. During the committee meeting, Senator Syed contended that alcohol was manufactured in the country for the Hindu community but it is mainly consumed by Muslims.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Syed said, "Forget alcohol, I've never even had niswar."



The senator also criticised the practice of taking interest on loans. "Mark-up is against the teachings of Islam and everyone is indulging in it," he said. Syed said he will raise this issue during the next Senate meeting.