Toxic liquor sale feared

Excise DG orders officials to keep alert

RAWALPINDI: In view of the threat of sale of poisonous liquor on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, Punjab DG Excise and Taxation Hafiz Ziaul Mustafa has issued a letter to stop the sale of illegal liquor and take necessary steps.

Some unscrupulous elements use clinical alcohol, sedative tablets and juices of rotten fruits to brew liquor which is then sold in bottles of local and foreign brands. In the past scores of people have died and many more have gone blind from this locally brewed concoction.

The DG has also directed to pay special attention to liquor license holders on the occasion of Eid. A letter issued from the office of the DG said that several people have been affected by drinking toxic liquor in recent years which has embarrassed the government.

Bootleggers making this toxic moonshine were likely to bring out their product on the festive occasion of Eid to grab the merriment mood of poor people who could not afford a pint of legally sold liquor available from licenced excise shops for Rs350 Illegal liquor can also be sold on the occasion of Eid, the letter said letter said that more vigilance is needed to stop the sale of poisonous liquor during of Eid. Special attention should be paid to liquor license holders. Special attention should be paid to license holders D2, L42, L43 and L17.

The concerned officer will be held accountable for the sale of toxic liquor under the shelter of liquor licenses.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2020.