Residents want liquor shops in Qasimabad relocated

Protesters say three shops are situated in residential areas, near educational institutions

HYDERABAD: A protest by residents, teachers, students and political activists of Qasimabad town in Hyderabad demanded the relocation of liquor shops that currently operate in residential and commercial localities. The protesters marched from the SSP Office to the Hyderabad Press Club on Sunday to express their grievances.

"No more wine shops in Qasimabad," read placards hoisted by the protesters. They alleged that in violation of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order, 1979, liquor shops are carrying out their business in settled areas.



According to them, all three shops in Citizen Colony, Wahdat Colony and Qasimabad Road existed in the residential and commercial areas and near educational institutions.

"Before holding the protest we requested the police and excise authorities to enforce the law and ask the shops to relocate to an area where they can operate lawfully," said Hasnain Shah, a protester, who is among the applicants who wrote to the officials.



Kamran Jatoi and Arsalan Chandio pointed out that not a single liquor shop operated in Latifabad taluka of Hyderabad because whenever a licence holder tried to open a shop the local residents opposed it. They alleged that the business operated in collusion with the authorities who have so far failed to enforce the law.

They said drunken people who come to buy liquor from these outlets become a nuisance for the residents. According to sources in the excise department, at least 10 liquor shops are operating in Hyderabad, including seven in City taluka and three in Qasmabad taluka.

The protesters warned that they would take the issue to court if the authorities failed to take action according to the law.