Alcohol should be as easily available as Pepsi or Coke: Sindh MPA
Khokhar, who is also the chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs, brought up the idea as the Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Chawla was answering questions in the Sindh Assembly on Wednesday.
While another MPA, Anwar Khan Mahar, had clarified that alcohol was not allowed in minority faiths either, the minster told the assembly that according to the 1979 Act regarding the sale of alcohol, only non-Muslims were allowed to sell or consume alcohol.
Khokhar's point was that reinforcing that non-Muslims drink alcohol created further divisions and it should just be made open for all.
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@Mir: That way there are examples of Hazrat Umar being very strict against alcohol but that was the era when Islam spread like wild fire. According to you, technically that shouldnt have happened then :P
Totally agree
It's scary how much western liberal dogma some elements of Pakistani society have absorbed that they are actually putting forward Americanized arguments like "prohibition doesn't work" as seriously applicable to Pakistan. Then there's the utilitarians who argue from a revenue point of view, even though they lie to themselves if that is truly the justification.
It's clear as day what the internal beliefs and priorities of these people are. No, your individual freedom is not paramount. Yes, it will be constrained. That constraint creates healthy, rooted societies. We already have economic dysfunction, do you want to invite total social dysfunction down to our core fabric?
Freedom of choice is a lie. It doesn't transcend society. It doesn't transcend commonality in spirit. It doesn't transcend tradition. It doesn't transcend religion. Only narcissistic fools grasp it as if it is the truth, blind to the fact that it is decay. It's a good thing most Pakistanis grasp this enough for these people to always be a powerless minority.
Permissiveness creates demand, inevitably. Very, very slowly, but inevitably. Criminality is a small price to pay for overall purity. You want to drink? Go ahead, but don't expect it to be acceptable. Be forever marginalized and shamed. Justly so.
Wow, lets make prostitution, murdering, raping, bla bla bla, all legal, as the people who wanted to do these things will keep on doing and well lets also add sexology into the syllabus also for the school goers!!! ....
Lets make Pakistan Vegas!!!!
@GlobalNomad: My friend agreed that there are various Muslim countries that are selling alcohol without hinderance .. But this doesn't give us the license to do the same... Let me put it this way nowadays murder is a normal practice so does this also give me and you the license to kill someone? ... Peace...:)
@vasan: list what is pure beside hunger, corruption and lies!!
@some one: talking about Muslim countries, I have seen liquor shop and huge massive stores in the entire Middle East including all Gulf Countries, North African Muslim countries and far easter countries like Malaysia. Are we the only Muslim countries besides Saudi Arabia? You know what we are downright hypocrites and liars, we do everything just that we lie about it!!!!
Wow...instead of re-inforcing the law of alcohol being illegal...we are infact getting rid of the whole idea of being 'civilised' as told by God, not just of muslims but God of all religious minorities in Pakistan too, including christians and sikhs. Recent example is of England which has, just in the past week, put a ban on displaying cigarettes in shops to discourage people from smoking and we're thinking of making it not just easily available but also reachable like 'pepsi and coke'.... what about underage drinking? What about our youth that should be aspiring to be the next generation of role models? Isn't it going to widen the gap between the rich and the poor?hence further divide our nation! And once this is made legal, places to drink will need to be created...pubs, night clubs etc... Dont you the diminishing face of an 'Islamic Republic' there? These people speak FORIEGN language!
alcohol today heroin tomorrow.. who will be responsible for crimes like alcohol influenced drunk driving and domestic violence etc if the suggestion is implemented.. and those talking about revenues from alcohol, what about medical bills due to alcohol related health issues??
What a good idea, who could cope with the daisy chain of corrupt Generals and public officials your compatriots have to deal with, sober?
Intereference with Divine Law! May Allah give all of us guidance! Ameen
For some this is pretty exciting news! but I believe this will create more opportunities for muslims to be drink alcohol which is not allowed in Islam. Govt should further tighten its grip on sale of alcohol. As a muslim we are ordered to stop all this by force...not to allow and let the people decide.
Now this MPA making some sense. Bravo!
its easily available in every part of Pakistan. government should regularize it to create jobs and earn revenue yours truly moon wine shop.
Really, the state has no right to enforce any religious laws on anyone. If I want to, I can pray 5 times a day, get drunk, get stoned, and then keep 30 fasts, becaus that's my personal matter. The government cannot tell me what I can drink or eat. Plus, the money they can earn through taxes by regulating this market is quite large. It would be too naive to assume that only non-Muslims drink in Pakistan.
Khokar should be tried for treason or even blasphemy for suggesting alcohol is legal (halal).
Hello.... Is there a Muslim in the house because comments over here are in favor.. a hypocrite politician suggesting us to sell alcohal openly... What next make prostitution also legal and apply tax over it like some countries in asia are doing..... Do you guys even thought what will be the outcomes of this.... When our body get infected by a virus we do not just allow it to spread but try to find a cure.... As per me the cure is BAN it for everyone........ Peace :)
I am a muslim and such that people would call me a "moulvi" this mpa has a point either ban alcohol completely as we call ourselves muslim and Pakistan an islamic state or with draw the ban from all..
By letting minorities buy and sell alcohol, the state is pushing the youth of our fellow hindu, christians etc countrymen towards crime.. its because they have licenses so they are exploited by the muslims who drink alcohol, by this way the minority community is pushed towards easy income and crime..
Sale and purchase of Alcohol should be completely banned for all Pakistanis and foriegners travelling to Pakistan.
Even if alcohol is legalised doesn't mean that everyone will rush out to buy it. Legalising it would entail it being regulated and taxed. This would raise revenue for the government and also prevent the proliferation of dangerous homebrews. I'm all for legalising and controlling alcohol in Pakistan as under the present situation its illegal nature leads to unholy alliances, mafias and bootleggers flourishing.
Alcohol should be banned, being a citizen of Pakistan and Muslim, we must follow our Islamic and country laws. For non-Muslim, we introduce law for them provided all the check and balance .
What a pity .It has come from a public representative.PPP believes in free fall . they can say anything.Because they are on a special task to undermine the ideology of this Holy Land known as Pakistan.
Where are clerics and their blasphemy laws?
@All
I may be repeating.
Can some one quote the exact text forbidding consumption of alcoholic beverages?
@some one: Have you been to Malaysia Indonesia Egypt morocco? Is it like that there....also what is it like actually where prohibition is in place like Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan do you know. Please don't be in denial there is evidence that consumption is more where prohibition is and it also finances the criminal element of society
You can see when shsha was introduced ,lot of shsha shop opened and a number of youngster boys and girls were addicted. extremely condemn upon MNA.S statement.
strongly condemn, now one can realize why this government is a failure. they are drunk in the assembly and making such foolish decisions. they are unable to establish a socio/economic plan for this country. Hate it.
@Parvez: now we boost up our revenue by selling liquor and addicting our young generation by opening night clubs and discos. what a superb idea.
The nation has lost its IDEOLOGY... That is surely not the Nation for which our elders migrated. We must be ashamed of who we have brought up in the Parliament.
@bunty: 100% agree.
Our "Islamic" brothers in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, Indonesia, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Senegal, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Yemen all already allow alcohol - and I can honestly say 95% of those countries are doing better than us.
So what has prohibition done for Pakistan? NOTHING. Most other Islamic countries allow it, but somehow, they're societies aren't crumbling, but ours will? I dont buy that. Let the people decide how to live their own lives.
Let the people decide if they want to drink. Its not up to my neighbor or government to decide what I can consume. If I want to drink, it doesn't affect you - so let me do as I wish, and you can do as you wish.
You know what should be more easily available? Education and healthcare. Lets focus on social services maybe for a change?
The hair splitting that goes on here (not necessarily unhealthy) on different in puts, at times based strictly on hearsay or blind faith.
All religious texts/dogmas/tenets are in Arabic or based on Arabic sources. The original material is said to be almost un-translable. Would someone with mastery of classic Arabic quote the relevant text about alcohol consumption, from the holy book? That would certainly lift the level of discussion.
After all al cohol is an Arabic word, there would have been involvement of some sort, in production of the liquid. Was it distilled just for usage as a sterilizer for cleaning wounds, or used for a tipple once in a while?
My command of Arabic is very poor, I get lost in the translation.
@Mohsin: Brits and Yankees happy.... Hahaha hohoho. Out of touch you certainly are my friend. Stop living in the Lalaland. High crime rates. 60% divorce rate. High suicide rate. Children kicked out at age 16. Parents dumped in nursing homes. Home foreclosures. Credit card debt is a curse. Medical bills in US force thousands into bankruptcy. Fake lawsuits. Nobody can gather on the streets like in Pak. Happy? Sure!!
Clever politician.
If i'd run Pakistan i'd open for legalizing alcohol immidiatly. The nr 1 reason people keep interfaring with goverment and political issues is that they have nothin to do.
if they get to have fun and get their entertainnment theyll get their minds away from politics and religion.
Remember....the best entertainers in the world are the british/american. Founders of almost all great sports and home of actor, movie and musical giants. The people are so happy they dont care what their evil goverments do.
I agree. It should be avalible and it should be YOUR choice. Its between you and god. Not anyone else to decide. UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Malaysia, Marokko, Tunis ....all these are propouros muslim countries who lets u decide.
Why only alcohol? I think heroin should also be available publicly. There are reasonable number of heroin customers available in Pakistan. But it is quite difficult for them to find it and it has a high price. Legislators should make law to legitimate heroin business. It is a multi billion dollar industry and government can earn billions of dollars in tax revenue. The only thing which should be done is to make it compulsory to write a warning text on heroin packet that it is dangerous for health (just like cigarette packets). Public is wise enough to decide itself whether to use it or not.
About time! Alcohol is already freely available in Pakistan, with three breweries already operating at full capacity. Regulating this market and taxing imports that fill demand-supply gap would be great for government coffers.
Alcohol was legal in Pakistan for thirty years until 1977, things were great back then. Everything has gone downhill since alcohol was banned.
@omar bin abdulaziz: Equating alcohol to paedophilia is not just novel but incredibly stupid.... Your ability to analyse things appears to rather limited.
A COUNTRY can be no more or less Muslim than the chair you're sitting on, or the monitor you're staring at. A country is a large line drawn on a piece of land on a map of the world, and it's inhabitants can choose what religion they belong to, and how strictly they wish to follow it. Ironically, Islam gained popularity and spread like wildfire throughout the world nearly 1500 years ago BECAUSE of it's tolerance towards people's personal choices.
@omar bin abdulaziz: "....How about if the lawmaker even puts forward this resolution:* Allow pedophilia...."
Sigh! Another one with his head in the sand. Omar bhai. Kindly visit a truck driver hotel in KP or a tea shop/ khoka and observe the love that is showered on the tea boy. Our religious brothers are quick to point out immodestly dressed (without burqa) women but dont see the love showered on little kids by strangers. Have you ever wondered why there is Gods "azaab" on FATA?
@Parvez: This will increase hypocracy in Pakistan. If we want to stop hypocracy in Pkaistan then our rulers should start telling the truths.
@DevilHunterX:
The drunk drivers are already on the road!
@S.F.Ali: "Are you people insane??"
No, probably not. Slightly tipsy, perhaps.
good time to invest your money in Murree Brewery's stocks!!!
Corruption should also be legalized. It will help in promoting national integration. At least we would have a common cause to rally around and compete with each other.
Strongly condemn the statement! This is Muslim country, named Islamic Republic of Pakistan..!!
Can someone please explain to the dear 'muslims' who support these insane comments of the MPA that alcohol is not allowed in Islam? Making such products available like coke and pepsi would encourage kids to get drunk as well. And please dont talk about parents controlling them...have we never seen a teenager smoking? Do we want teenagers to start drinking as well??? Are our politicians insane?
Those who are saying tht alcohal should be legalised, they really need to get a life. Legalising it means opening a way for all evils.everyone should remember that pakistan is an islamic country nd alcohal is prohibited in Islam and we our muslims and plz for God's sake let us remain muslim...
@PakiKaka: Mind you, State has the biggest responsibility .
What a load of BS - our leaders must be the only ones in the world that seem to overlook major issues and give importance to insignificant, unacceptable ideas. Alot of people are deterred from consuming alcohol since it takes a bit more effort to get it than Pepsi or Coke.
Don't disagree with the fact that one has free will - if you wanna purchase it, go to the numerous stores that sell it. But legalising it per se would only lead to further crime, unrest and accidents.
For god's sake, get your priorities right Saleem Khokhar.
Funny those muslims think alcohol should be ban coz Pakistan is islamic country, but what about Jinnah who openly drunk wine? Pakistan became islamic in 1971, if Pakistan wasn't islamic would u have allowed it? Pakistani people have no life instead of poking their nose in someone's business! A question to all the Pakistanis, waht if secular countries bans halal meat coz its not islamic country? would u have accept it or would u start jihad against them? something like applying double standards...
When Islam prohibits it, then it should be banned! No second thoughts!! Or the least we can do... revert to Islamic studies and find out why all these forbidden things are forbidden.
For being so devout you people don't even understand the point of things being rejected in even your own religion and I can say that not being Muslim because it's a fairly common theme in almost all religions. It's about consciously choosing to resist temptation. Not hide from it and pretend there's nothing there. Resisting temptation is a character building block. Hiding from it is weak, regressive and cowardly.
Agree 100%
The govt is finally acting mature enough to raise these issues. We should tax alcohol consumption at a high rate too and make some money off of it - its not like as if we dont need it!!!
this will be a nice move, the only concern is that we will not get free petrol from Saudi Arabia.
Our issues are poverty, injustice, marginalization, health and education. Why these politicians do not focus on the core issues of the country rather touching the trivial issues which do not have anything to do with the majority of the country. Alcohal is the need of the rich in Pakistan and they want it to get is easily thats the whole issue, while the need of poor is bread and no one talks about that. What a pity... Down to such politicians who only work for their personal intereste and do not bother about the issues of those who voted for them. The main problem is those who voted for them even do not know whats happening in the assembly as they are so much marginalized and no one is there to listen their voices. These fuedals comes at teh end of their government and tell them to vote for them.
My simple questions to all those who favoring alcoholism & nudism, dare to answer me 1- Why Pak-istan had been founded ? for what - to split the Muslims only ??? 2- what was the problem in united India everything was available there free ? Isn't If you are favoring free availability of rubbish think in "PAK" society then it will no more be "PAK" . It will become literally "NA-PAKISTAN". Could anyone dare to answer me ????? Why favoring ??? Why not boycotting ?
@arif khan: Please read Surah Maidah Ayat 43 onwards. "Those who don't implement Allah's laws are Kfirs, Faasiqs & Zaalims".
Why don't we let Allah's given code of life implement His commands beyond the Masjids?
We should not copy west in terms of Science and technology but in terms of luxries/Cosmatics only....
Today i came to know that not only our stupid politician want alcohol to stay 'TUNNNN' rather you all people deliberately waiting for removing this ban. Im feeling sorry today that im living in muslim country. You all people deserve to have these politicians.. Why you have to use alcohol to remove tensions and keep yourself away from the world. This is our fault that we have so hectic lives. We want to adopt western culture.. Im sorry to say na hum unka culture adopt kr sake hain or na e apna culture :) I regret if anyone got hurted.
Cool im happy
Sindhi land owners + openly drinking in public + guns = disaster...............on the other hand....my owning a bar in Karachi. Priceless!!!!
Let the ppl make their choice. After all we did have bars/nightclubs etc up until early 70s.
So is the sorry state of our 'leaders', I want to laugh at and as people who voted and still want to have these guys in office.
Alcohol is as good or as bad as bribery, telling lies, hypocrisy, adulteration, fake medicines, etc. If all others are freely allowed in Pakistan, why only alcohol is singled out for prohibition. simple munafiqat... nothing else.
woo hoo now I can enjoy being tun while on office work
Piety under forced denial is not piety. The test is having the freedom to exercise your option and then choosing to do the right thing. That's a real test of character. So let's make it available and see who is really sincere with abstinence. Throw in the challenge Mr. MPA. Let's see who is what. Let's kill hypocrisy. Otherwise we've Maulana Whisky and Maulana Diesels of this world. Most of all let's test the Taliban!!!!
@omar bin abdulaziz Alcohol is legalised in Pakistan but its consumption is restricted to non-Muslims. This was always the case, it predates Bhutto’s desperate act of banning alcohol, horse racing etc. in a bid to appease the protest against his election results. There have been a few changes however, to this law, the previous provision of allowing Muslims access to alcohol on a medical prescription has been done away with and of course the hypocritical clamour was not so loud then. Your attempt to place the legalisation of alcohol on the same platform with paedophilia is sickening. I’m sure you could do better. It would do many daytime critics a lot of good to look around and count the number of alcohol consumers in their close circle. Again the difference is that in yester years people were bold enough to admit their liking for the liquid now they are more hypocritical and swear their abhorrence to it even after a bout of drinking the previous night. The clergy has conveniently drawn all the focus on banning alcohol and made it convenient for more lethal and addictive drugs to take over society. One’s wonders whether the motivation was drive by religious incline or greed to benefit from drug money. It’s ironic, the rulers and every Pakistani citizen who can afford it or has the resources makes a bee line to the west, and others without resources dream of going there, yet we always draw reference to western society when we want to highlight an evil or decadent practice in Pakistan? Hats off to the MPA who suggested that alcohol should be easily available - at least he had the guts to speak his mind and wasn’t a hypocrite. Hypocrisy is the vice which has ruined the Pakistani society.
Alcohol should be regulated and heavily taxed. If anybody things it's consumption has gone down through prohibition they should have their heads examined. Like betting this should be regulated amongst other measures through taxation. Every Muslim country I have visited from Indonesia to Morocco it is regulated . The only two it is banned in and is a source of the black economy is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and of course Pakistan. When you leave it in the black economy it finances other anti social activity and profits the corrupt inspectors in our government like police exise etc but it is freely available in every city. Even the MMA government in Khyber Pukktunkwa could not stop its illicit trade. The MPA who has raised this issue has identified an issue on which we as a nation are in denial just like we say there is no unregulated betting , prostitution etc presumably because major roads are now called by Islamic names.
Make Pakistan DUBAI
Wellcome move.It will put to test the resolve and loyalty to my belief. It will be a great feeling when I will scream from the roof top, "I can consume Alcohol freely and legally, but I don't 'cause my religion prohibits it."
@Taha Tungekar: Actually it would make sense to remove the word Islamic. We would be better off with Republic of Pakistan.
@some one: Do you assume that Muslims don't drink or that alcohol is not available in Pakistan? I agree with the MPA alcohol should be made legal. It is a matter of choice. The government should focus on crime and corruption and should not be pre-occupied with sex and alcohol.
instead of forcing islam let people voluntarily practice islam. an alcohol consumer will consume alcohol no matter what u do. a religious muslim will not drink alcohol even if it was sold on street carts. so it doesnt affect his/her faith. if it is legalized then not only govt can tightly regulate it but also generate revenue which can be used for development purpose.
general perception among religious people is alcohol consumers have random sex, do bad things, and wont pray if they drink it freely, which is totally false.
@Mr. Righty rightist: Your western masters have done the research on cannabis and apparently there are no major side effects so u can legalize it in India. And I can't believe u actually believe that Osama bin laden had porn.... We're u actually there or u just agree with your masters tell u!! How can you be so naive....
Next going to be " Prostitutes should be legalize like ghar wali and bahar wali" :/
God may protect us from these incompetent and illiterate morons.
I knew that some people drink alcohol in Pakistan but I now realize after reading the comments here that there are a LOT of them. Wow and instead of hiding their immoral act, they are all out advocating open sale of alcohol in the country. Appalling! You people who consume alcohol should keep a lid on it instead of going out and asking for it to be opened freely. Yes it might not be an Islamic republic in the true sense but it was always meant to be and if you dont like it then go some place else!!
@Happy: Ever been to a tavern in downtown Kabul? BLING BLING Bada Boooomm!! You're eyes are gonna pop out. Afghanistan allows sale and consumption of alcohol just like PAKISTAN.. you cannot say alcohol is banned in Pakistan? Banning means manufacture, sale, consumption and trade in Alcohol.
Your list should read like this: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Sudan and Brunei! Wiki information is incorrect... Yemen allows it and so does Afghanistan!
yaaayee why not legalize prostitution and drugs those who want to do it can and the good people wont.... gosh... give me a break...
Astagfirullah!!!! I have been reading comments and its sad that a lot of people are up to the idea. Alcohol is not for Muslims. Qur'an is very clear on that. Period. Shame on the guy who proposed it.
@Truth From Pakistan: oh for gods sake. look at how much propaganda this one has been fed. @some one: excuse me, have you seen those people in western countries? I have had the pleasure of working in a western country and all i saw was good hardworking people enjoying themselves after a week of hard work. Of course in pakistan, we want to ban having fun itself. booze is not such a big deal sir. you are getting too excited about it. @omar bin abdulaziz: wow, omar, you may have my same name but none of my intelligence apparently! Those two situations have absolutely nothing in common. maybe you should loosen up and drink some whiskey.
@usman: alchohol and cocaine are incredibly different you silly boy. Speaking as a chemist, i can tell you the effects they have on the body are very different. you are only surprised because you sit in your cozy little middle class bubble and have never seen the true pakistan where everyone drinks. please grow up. :)
@ishrat salim:
No offence my friend, but it is perhaps the first progressive step taken by what are, in your own words, politicians with low IQ & mindset due to lack of good education'. Islamic Republic or not we are one of only 4 countries in the world to forbid its sale. If you are a "good Muslim" then dont do it yourself. why bother what those around you are doing? As a proposed democratic country" the citizens are entitled to a set of rights. There is absolutely no grounds for barring the sale of alcohol in the country. Further, between the Murrey Breweries and bootleggers its readily available anyway, and this im sure you know. Why not permit its sale and gain a substantial revenue from taxation and the service industry, as do pretty much every other country in the world (barring four excessive nations)? Think of what it will do for tourism? For our image on the international scale? It is no longer a question of "khabardar", we desperately need a more mature approach. And comments like "we are an Islamic republic" unfortunately just show that there are still people out there content on dictating the lives of others. It is a backwards mentality like that that has turned Pakistan from Asia's silver bullet into what can only be called a failed state.
Finally, a politician with the courage to openly say what so many have been thinking for so long. Alcohol should be legalized. For those individuals whose sensibilities are offended, may I suggest that you either move to Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan or perhaps focus your efforts on bigger issues such as violence against minorities or the spread of illegal drugs such as heroin. The negative potential of alcohol pales in comparison to these other much more egregious social ills.
Pakistan is a Muslim society so Muslim law should be followed. Are we Pakistanis openly admitting we are not Muslims? This is the root cause of our confusion today.
Wasn't this country created as a SECULAR state? I'm just wondering. Cuz' of the whole "Jinnah's wishes and reason we even HAVE a country to live in" story. I'm not fully aware I'm just asking. Was this country supposed to be overrun by radical conservatives whose idea of maturity is not practicing their religion with the same freedom to stray from or stay on the path of make believe righteousness that a man who just wants to have a drink should be given? Is making alcohol legal the same thing to these people as making it COMPULSORY to consume it? Just asking. I really don't know.
Molson Canadian should at least be sold freely in Pakistan. What a beer!!!
Today these ppl are demanding for alcohol, tomorow they will lead the rally in favor of fornication.... i wonder what type of generation they will leave behind.
when muslims were in their golden age they there was a movement of muslim scholars for free thinking and free will, which when transported to europe later became the primary source of renaissance in europe. in that period muslim scholars produced great musicians and did experiments in laboratories of baghdad, al andulus mainly using alcohol as primary element. in those time muslim used to be more tolerant towards so called evils of consumption of alcohal but later on when literalist got hold of muslim political power centers that lead to decline of muslim free thinkers and ultimately downfall of muslim golden age. the question rises again in contemporary times are we going to be tolerant muslim forward looking society where free thinking is appreciated and receptive to changes or we return to narrow mindedness and move against the current and become the authoritative, dictatorial regime ruled by particular thought. btw keep turkey in mind for modern muslim nation as an example.
its really a shameful news. one day come u will say that there should be $<x free zone & all of u will be agree on it???????????? Sooooooooo saaaaaaaaaad.
Bravo Khokhar. You've made my day :)
@Rabayl: You are right, than Prostitution, Night clubs, Bars, Gentleman's clubs should also be opened? "Adults should have the right to choose and be responsible for the consequences. Make it legal, make it safe. That’s how mature societies act, not by banning realities we want to hide from." Wake up this is Islamic Republic.. State should enforce Islamic Law and Order.
I wouldn't exactly say "as easily as Pepsi or Coke" but I'm biased having had my shoulder broken in a car wreck involving it. But, I don't blame the alcohol for it, I blame stupidity. So I go as far as to say that at least be sure it's stupidity based and not immaturity and naivety based (slight age restrictions). Though I'm also slightly torn even on that. If it was not seen as a taboo and it was introduced as more of a common thing that's really no big deal like in some countries, it wouldn't be as misused. Statistics support that as well. But, it's also unrealistic to believe a society would take it upon itself to make that big of an overhaul for a drink with crossed fingers. So I side with the slight age restrictions, but not wholeheartedly.
Atleast this would give some peace of mind to our full-time distressed population. Just get drunk and relax.
Kandahar produces some 40 different kinds of grapes, imagine if an entrepreneur were allowed to open a vineyard in Afghanistan, Pakistan or Iran and the revenue it could generate not only in our own countries but from exports to rich European wine drinking nations.
The liberal agenda at work again.
The plan is simple, deislamacise Pakistan at the behest of the Americans. Putting aside the absolute rational fallacy of legalising what is essentially a drug like cocaine, marijuana or heroine, the country has lost its identity. If the aim is to further mutilate Pakistan into a secular, liberal state, then what was the need for partition? Why not live with the hindu majority in India? This is what the liberal elite in Pakistan want essentially.
What they fail to understand is that secular liberalism is a cancer that is eating the world alive. They have lost the ability to critically think and analyse and instead regurgitate any argument and policy given to them by their western counterparts in the hope that ‘it must be enlightened because it comes from the west’.
Islam is the solution not just for Pakistan but for humanities ills. Secularism has failed and is dying a slow death. But then the elites in Pakistan are always playing catch-up to the west.
cheerzzz
We have so many Petrol/Gas/Pumps in our country. It is time to open Alcohol Stations where at least one can get a 10 liter Can filled no matter if these stations remain closed on Fridays and Sundays. After consuming this Holy Water one will at least speak truth and that also in English for which no prior qualification is required.
Great source of income, very articulate idea. I totally support this. I hope that more sensible people like this remain in government.
I support this notion. It's time to begin the eradication of hypocrisy and bigotry in this country. The Holy Quran discourages in one verse and forbids the consumption in another verse.
Therefore believers should make this conscious decision not to drink. That is faith and obedience. We shall be judged based on our intent and not inability.
Our current law dating back to ZAB's and later reinforced by ZIA is there to appease the Mullahs in no way a sincere service to Islam.
I dont drink but I dont disagree with the idea. Consumption of alcohol in pakistan has gone up and its very widely consumed so hiding it and restricting it makes it more tempting for people
The most sensible advice in the country's 64 year history!
you know what the corrupt are showing their ways.. that's all that is happening in pakistan, watch out and do not for once jump on their bandwagon and say yes to what they are proposing, because you will call your own demise, if the politicians are so eager to drown their sorrows in alcohol go and govern your nieghbors coutry, it will suit you just right, not this pure place. This place is for the pure to rule not for u corrupt minded and anyways you have hijacked this country and the time is close when you will be put down for doing this.
If the wine is made available for everyone, it will provide one more point of justification to the TTP to wage Jihad against the Pakistani government.
Btw, if there is age restriction on purchasing Alcohol in the west, so what is so wrong with putting faith restriction on it in Pakistan?
@Jan who writes "What hypocrisy.. why dont you legalise prostitution and to top it all canabis and chars in India"
I am all for legalising prostitution. This will reduce the abuse of women, increases safe sex, provides rights for the prostitutes and reduces STDs.
However Cannabis can be legalized only after studying the effects on society. I don't know. Never did it, even when I lived in the west. I have no idea what is chars.
But there's no hypocricy in India. No Indian will ever say that Hinduism does not allow prostitution out in the public and then visit a brothel at night. They will at least never bring religion into this.
However, you Muslims do exactly the same, right? You shout of piety and religion and indulge in the same.
Was not porn discovered in Osama's den? And Osama talked about Islamic Caliphate and Islamic values. LOL
You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline; It helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer. ... Frank Zappa.
To all who say that this ban should be lifted: What does Islam say in this matter (I guess everyone is pretty clear about that) If we have some wrong doings/deeds in our society; they do not qualify us to commit or allow to commit more sins/wrong doings.
If you are at it, Lets legalize marijuana, weed, cocaine, meth
oh yeah dont even bother what some backward ideology Islam tells you. thats for the idiots we are the liberals the modern
sarcasm
@some one:
Haven't you seen the murder and carnage in our "Islamic" republic on a daily basis? Bomb blasts, shootings, kidnapping et-al. I'd sooner have the "insecurity" of drunks on a weekend than what we have now.
This is a wise proposal and I would support it.
My All friends drink in Islamabad and i have found out that at least in Punjab Alcohol Consumption amounts to billions so why not tax it to generate revenues. In my view at least 15-20 percent of our youth drink alcohol at some point in time.
@omar bin abdulaziz:
Well said Omar
in other words, we are oppressing minorities because they enjoy some privileges and the "poor" and "kind" majority looks on. minority rights in reverse.
Weakening of Islamic rules and courage of some one to make it public is clear sign of destruction of this nation. He should feel shame and either presented the example of Our prophet (P.B.U.H) who created zero difference between muslims and non muslims. What haram things has to do with diferences b/w muslims and non muslims.
May Allah bring real and true muslims in our country as a leader for all the time remains as a leader.
I am a doctor and know more than a thousand reasons to say that its harmfull to each and every tissue of the body but above all i hate alcohol as it was banned by my beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa sallalah o alaih e wa aalehi wa'salam.
A Turk by the name of Haroun Ate whisky by means of a spoon To one who asked why This turk made reply: "To drink is forbidden, you loon."
the question for me is not weather to ban it or unban it in the name of liberalism or maturity level of one's mind. but the only thing that i want to ask here is " Isn't this country ISLAMIC replublic of pakistan?".. i am living in midle east countries and most of these countries have banned alcohol but that didn't stop them from becomming what they are right now i.e. powerful economic states (albeit with oil n gas but we also have oil gas minearls and so many other things that these countries dont have).
the question is there MUST be a body which regulate it all. for non-muslim they can get a license and mention clearly and straight forwardly about the consumption of alcohol and be warned that IF they are caught selling it to others (non-license holders) strict actions will be taken against them.. this is how it is in arab countries and everything is going super smoothly in this regards...
inspite of coming up with a proper genuine solution why do we come up with something that causes more controversies.. if you think about NON-MUSLIMS in this countrie and you are thinking about making them happy what about the millions of muslims in this country whome u r hurting with such dicisions and controversies... ? Pakistan is NOT just the urban areas and liberal minded people for Godsake.. we have most of rural population and we MUST respect their values and input as well
@Mr. Righty rightist: What hypocrisy.. why dont you legalise prostitution and to top it all canabis and chars in India... after all in the west the hindus indulge in all these things...
What hypocrisy!!!
One just need to go to Manama or Dubai to see the ultra orthodox Saudis indulging in alcohol, drugs, women and what not!
Also, one just need to go to Europe to see how the pious Muslims of Pakistan live.
he says reality
weldone khokhar sahab.u say the reality
I think he's honest enough, its better to legalize the drink rather than losing so much revenue in black marketing of alcoholic drinks. It is a fact that million of sharif muslim brothers (and in some cases sisters) drink. Then why not remove the bans and sell the drink like it used to be before the era of 70's and the way other muslim countries are selling without any prohibition on the majority.
Alcohol is haram and forbidden, in a Muslim society it should be banned. A countrywide crackdown should be carried out against alcohol. Islam and alcohol cannot co-exist. Non-muslim societies in Europe has destroyed countless lives due to alcoholism. Say NO to alcohol, lets stop drinking and lets declare war on alcohol. Down with ALCOHOL.
Is it not a boon that there is atleast one religion in this world which bans the use of wine ? I stopped taking alcohal and non-veg products more than a decade back not due to any health reasons which to my mind was the best decision of my life. One finds maximum kidney failures and heart related diseases besides ruining many families due to excessive consumption of both products especially alcohal.
While we are on the subject, let's also relax some rules on smoking cannabis.
@Rehman: Mujra.. Thats part of our culture
That is the best news I saw all day ...In any case why should goverment become the gate keeper of Jannat...let the boozer face his Creator and get his judgement...Cheers my hum watno
I am so surprised to see the comments on this post!!!!!! Proves how far we have gone from our religious values and how proudly we are supporting something that does not make sense to me at least!
and yeah, we should let Pork meat be freely available as well. There should be an option to buy halal or non halal chicken/meat, as it suits them. Night clubs should be legalized. Hashish, cocaine, etc, there is no reason for them to be illegal. Speed limits should be removed as well, one has the right to decide what speed he/she drives at. What else? are you guys serious?
This SHows WHy SIndh is Most Liberal Province Of Pakistan !
Can punjab Assembly Imagine to Talk on Such COntroversial Subject ?
Hi all
Most of u r talking about religious extremists...I believe most of u are secular extremist if its choice of people to decide wat to do or wat shouldn't then we should also allow to establish porn industries, we can earn billion of dollars from it.. finally it choice of peron to act in or to watch that...why not to open brothel and give choice to our 18 plus brother sisters and children to have fun bcoz its their choice. we should also legalize homosexuality...
May Allah give us Hadiyat...we are worst then non muslims...
Alcohol was freely and legally available until mid 70's in Pakistan. Pakistanis are more criminal, more fruadias, more rishvatkhore, more of liers, and more stupid since then.
Don't attract more migrants here please! As much as I love to see Forces to counter Talabanism, I don't want an apoclyptic exodus of around 9 million more to(already burdened resources of) Sindh. I say keep the breweries and it's service in the Taliban lands in the mountains for now, where best Grapes and Poppy growers are found.
We should read the Quran carefully. Alcohol is to be avoided. The ancient world had a deep prejudice against public drinking. There should be no harm if you drink at home and of course with moderation.According to Mustanad some one was reported to be drinking at home and the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said " What a man does behind the four wall of his home is between him and his God". Imam Ghizali also supports this view.
We are barely allowed to fly kites, there is nothing else left to do in Pakistan BUT drink alcohol
yayyyyyyyyy
Many muslims are drinking alcohol, what is big deal in selling in stores? Government can earn extra revenue with legal sale.
In the craving for liberalism some of the people comment so viciously that makes one wonder about their sanity. Its totally valid for a society which has got a literacy rate of 99 percent like Germany to make choices for drinking or not drinking by themselves. With current literacy situation in Pakistan legalizing alcohol in markets would be catastrophic. People can see the repercussions of (unofficial) availability of weapons in Khyber P. and Karachi. The misuse is disastrous and have led to cause of most of the instability. It would be very similar in the case of alcohol legalization where people will forget there limits. And the combination of drugs, arms and ammunition, weaponry, illiteracy etc would result in many more deaths then the poisoned alcohol being sold. Why not take measures to eradicate it all together.
@Truth From Pakistan:
I am curious. What's wrong with pork and how is it any inferior to beef? It's a rich source of protein and much cheaper to produce than beef.
We are muslims and we live in Islamic republic and so we are not allowed...and the People above saying its our choice then there are many other countries ready to welcomoe .
More power to you sir. One more reason why we should vote the PPP back in power. It's the lack of choice stupid,
haha negative feedback you guys need a reality check!!! just cause its not sold openly doesn't mean you dont have crazy drunks? I think its a brilliant idea (however i dont agree with it being available like soda) get it going right, if this was open to public suggestion i'd say ID the person (30 and above only). Look banning everything doesn't make Pakistan a happy peaceful country in fact its made it even more desperate cause everyone is so eager to try everything. its like a Rebelious child who wants and does each time you say NO.
every one should have full right to choose what is good or bad for him or herself...this should be the first step towards the end of Mullah Raj in our country....but.....i dont think that PPP have guts to do this.....PPP is party full of hypocrates.....
Abso-effing-lutely NOT!
If not for the sake of religion then atleast on the moral grounds it should NEVER be allowed to be sold openly in Pakistan. Those who are already addicted to alcohol know pretty well where to find it, those who aren't will be saved from being an alcoholic this way. Legalizing alcohol means branding and advertising it throughout the country, which will eventually lead to riots by you-know-who. Possible (and quite predictable) outcome of this whole situation? More riots. More rally at Mazar-e-Quaid. More people falling for alcohol. More rape cases. Attacks of moral police. etc. The up side? Few bucks generated in the name of taxes that would be 'mistakenly' kept by our politicians since they would be (and are) too drunk to differentiate between their's and state's funds. Lets keep the things as they are. Mr. Khokar, as a MNA, should know that a large number of population doesn't have access to clean water to drink, so they don't give a damn about your 'drinking' suggestions. Peace.
How does it matter even if it is sold openly ? A true muslim anyways don't drink right ? ;)
Cigarette has more adverse effects than moderate alcohol beverage. It is only ban because of mullahs.
Ban cigarettes and legalize booze. Cigs kill many more than alcohol. Cig revenues can be offset by liquor tax!
this is by far the best development, the depressed situation in Pakistan makes it the most demanded commodity :D
I fully support Mr.Khokhar on this point. It will help us to become normal country and normal people again!
Good idea. There are millioins of Pakistanis who live in non Muslim countries and most do not consume alcohol although availoable in the markets and pubs. So it does not encourage people to drink just because it is easily available. In my view if we drink responsibly, alcohol does not damage health and it will create jobs. I also know many Pakistanis and other Muslims who run restaurants in west and sell the stuff,because otherwise they will be out of business. I have been drinking all my life and still enjoy good health. Red wine is reportedly good for your heart. There are many things advised in the holy books which we ignore; this one does not rob people or encourage bad behavior.
If we can "educate" people then make every thing available and let people decide what is good and bad . I m sure nation will be strong enough to handle any bottle alcohol or poison in it
Hey, I have an alternative idea... why not ban it altogether?
WOW ! impressive .... Then why do we call this country Islamic Republic of Pakistan ? i think its better to say and overwrite it as Pakistan everywhere.
Lets abolish all kind of laws, and let the sensible adult people take the decision what is right or wrong for them !! way to freedom !!
@usman: Alcohol is banned here for religious reasons... is cocaine banned for religious reasons??? why isnt alcohol banned in most countries of the world while cocaine is??? go figure
@Citizen: Oh bhai/ behen... if it's banned in Islam then don't drink it. Islam forbids YOU to drink it... it doesn't tell the state to enforce the ban
@Truth From Pakistan: Using your own logic, is pork banned in Pakistan by any law???? it's not right, so why should alcohol be... think abt it
Those who consume; would use it either freely available or not, and those who don't; won't even touch even if its being sold next to their house.
Alcohol has been around humans since beginning of the civilization. Not everyone got drunk and lost everything. During this time Hinduism, Buddhist, Christianity, Jewish and Muslim religions came along and survived and so did the alcohol. So why oppose it why not tax it. Now it is your personal choice stop at the alcohol shop or keep walking! Those who are opposing reminds me of an old proverb “Bandar kiya Janne Adarak ka swad” Try it and say I tried it and did not liked it and never had since.
Even the developed world has set a drinking age, below which you cannot purchase alcohol. There's a good reason for that.
I'm in support for legalizing alcohol because I believe driving this easily procurable product underground is doing more harm than good. But we would still need to regulate its use and sale properly!
marijuana, charas weed and every kind of cannabis should be legal dont you guys think the greatest revenue earner it would be
man already we hv law and order problem in pakistan if people wil drink openly what whould be the situation of pakistan and onther thing we made this country on the name of islam and we are muslim
MPA Khokhar's demand is unacceptable...if govt will consider such demand then someone from minority can demand for prostitution center as well. We can't bear such unfair demand for minority... Alcohol is only for minority but every one use it in the name of minority.
Ok Fine Mr MPA, but remember you have to make another Law after Few times, that if a Person Rapes under the influence of Alcohol than he must not sentenced/arrested because Alcohol is allowed by Government to consume.
Next resolution will be " Establishing a Red Light Area across all the country" So Heera Mandi's Monopoly will come to an End.
@Adam: why Adam, did we hang you in public for eating that apple....which is the cause of all the turmoil in man's life today!!!
I absolutely agree! those who wish to partake in selling and drinking should be given the freedom of choice. The truth, whether you like to believe, is that ppl already consume it in out society "secretly" and get their hands on it some way or the other. It should be available to all, and a choice for all, muslim or non-muslim. If it is a religious choice for individuals to not drink, it is a personal one, and should not be enforced upon those who decide otherwise.
Oh baby I love this!
@Yaida: Pakistani citizens have no sorrows....if you have any, please contact Alchohol Anonymous
I would love to see the effect this has on media / advertising and the kind of events that would start getting sponsored .....
way to go. We have a ban in Indian state of Gujarat. However, liquor mafia sells it openly and pockets all the money. I am sure same must be happening in Pakistan. its better to open it so that state makes money. Its up to the pious Muslims to decide if they wish to drink or not. I have seen Muslim restaurants in UK and USA selling alcohol openly. Fact of the matter is that Alcohol is readily available in almost all Islamic countries and consumed by those who want. My host in Bangladesh not only served it to me but consumed himself and that too during Ramadan at his home in presence of entire house hold.
The problem lies in the heart of man not in legalizing or not legalizing the sale of Alcohol.
it has be readily available .. and whoever is PIOUS should simply not think about it. what is this insecurity all about !!
@LOL . Thanks for coming up with this. Ban Porn but Legalize Prostitution? I think both should be legalized. Nasha Sharab Mein Hota To Nachti Sindh Assembly!
Crazy people
I fully endorse the idea!!!
Isn’t alcohol easily available in UAE & adjacent states? Even in Saudia Arabia now has allowed alcohol in expats compounds!
At one point in time it was available & unrestricted in Pakistan & believe you me, form what I have heard from all those people, it was much better times than today! People were more tolerant and peace loving than now.
It was Z.A Bhutto who banned alcohol to appease these so called religious leaders (frauds of today), ironically.
Cheers! Why silent on pork? You may have all you wish to your hearts content but remember it is all but temporal and all of us have to return to our Lord to answer about our deeds in this world. Beware!
Absolutely! Mr Khokhar! Give the people the freedom to decide instead of imposing or banning things!
govt can generate taxes and stop hazadouz alcohol
Khokhar for President.
Wow, I didnt know alcohol was not legalized in Pakistan. Sad, such basic pleasures of life are hidden away from general public. Anyway, I'll drink to that :P
Ummul Khabais will be open to all. These politicians are insane....
Being an Islamic state there is no way Alcohol is going to be legalized in Pakistan. For all the douche bags who think that alcohol is easily available in Pakistan, must also know the fact that it is sold illegally and that there are penalties for it once you are caught doing that.
Great!
Yes it should be available for all.
hez really an idiot!
From an economic perspective, it is good good source of revenue, sales tax/excise tax which has been the case for countries like UAE, Egypt, Bahrain etc where it is taxed at approximately 30%. An impetus that the country badly needs. Right now part of this revenue is being pocketed by customs/excise and boot leggers which can run upto 100% premium. The revenue from this can offset the increases necessary on other products. Sharaab mehengi, roti, petrol sasta. Most of us can surely live with that.
PPP is no short of jokers...
HIGHLY DISGUSTED! WE need to prove that we are Muslims. More than Non-Muslims, Muslims will involve in this thing.
Is alcohol not currently available?? =P i mean the ones who drink know where to get it from and even get the finest drinks.
@omar: This is not the right thinking . if everything is bad outside it is very hard to save our self. And being young is also making us vulnerable, see how worried the Muslim parents in the west are. We are all human beings and we can go on the wrong path . Being Bad Muslim is better then not being a Muslim because alcohol is the source of many bad which could lead to disaster. this will not curb anything as usual in Pakistan will only increase the % of alcohol drinkers that's west want. This is like taking of Islamic from Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
OMG i am surprised to read most people are favoring it . It is ban in Islam due to a reason . May Allah give us Hidayat . We as a nation are heading towards disaster.
regulate the sale of alcohol since its a reality. atleast someone from the ruling class grew a pair !
We all know that Alcohal beverages are easily available in the market, but does Islam allow us to do that???
Haha seems like Saleem Khursheed Khokhar while saying this was also Drunk :P
Yeh Cheez. Though I hate Politicians, but this guy should be given BOW :)
I second the minister on this, but I request ET to please write the headline briefly otherwise People reading headlines will get confused and soon "Fatwaas" will be raining on the Khokhar Sahab and PPP!
would've loved it had he also included hash in this proposition!
@ishrat salim: Who is forcing you to drink it? A true muslim wont buy it it is easily available or not.
Way to go Mpa, Iam also excited to hear such a news. Cheers in advance :)
What a brilliant idea. Then Mr MP will form and fund a center helping pick drunk teenagers off atreets over the weekend.
I bet he would already be in some fanatics' gun sight
How about if the lawmaker even puts forward this resolution: * Allow pedophilia. Let the kids make their own choices what and what not to do with their bodies. If they can't, let their poor parents decided for them (or act like their managers until they grow up and can take care of their own finances). It will eradicate poverty, believe me.
---Utter sarcasm meant!!!
Great idea!
What next? Pakistan should build city like Las Vagas? Than Strip Tease Centers
Whats wrong with PPP. Previously it was "corruption pe sab ka haq hai", now this... whats next? ... Make prostitution legal, since thats very common in Pakistan and prostitutes are easily available everywhere...? Speaking "wrong" with conviction does not make it a "right".
Don't we already have enough stupid drivers on the road? Now we will add drunk drivers too?
Oh Land of the pure will become land of the impure !
Dear all,
Yar CHars or Heroion ka bhe scne on karwaoo..because @Aftab
People should have the option to smoke or not. And no one should have the right to tell them not to.
I agre, at present the rich can afford local and imported alcohol without any problems, it is only the poor who suffer and die drinking posionus stuff,let it be freely available and regulated and taxed by the goverment....but who is going to handle the moral brigade as they pounce on such issues......
wow,this is the only country in which the problems are solved in this pathetic way. how intelligent our MPA is.
Seriously? Now that is how we are going to run Islamic Republic of Pakistan? @all above: y dont you all start a movement for legalization of prostitution as well?!
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN legalizes Alcohol, seems like a pretty good headline. Wake up drunk friends, as a Muslim State we cannot legalize it, however whoever wants to drink it can do so since it is available everywhere in Pakistan and religion isn't something that should be forced. Against the Law, NOT the alcoholics.
Alcohol is expensive and heroine is cheap in Pakistan. I am for the repeal of this prohibitionary law . By the way I dont drink .
When you ban something which people like to have,bootlegging,mafias and unholy alliance thrives.That too banning on the line of religion,you are adding religious fanatics to the list.Do not ban but educate people about its bad effect.
The next step should then be to allow cocaine since those who want it, can access it, no matter how harsh the restrictions are. I am really surprised at those advocating use of alcohol here at ET.
Now PPP Slogan will be: Roti, Kapra aur Sharaab.....
Ok, now wait and see some dude get up in the assembly and say " Pork should be made available just like beef or chicken.....". Everybody knows alcohol is widely available but that does not mean it should be made legal ! Other than religious issues, its a health hazard and a factor behind violence in many cases. Being progressive does not mean that we accept everything, good or bad. Totally disappointing !
AGREEEEE!!!! Let it pour baby!
Shame on Khokhar and on PPP for having such an MPA! Have they forgotten that Pakistan is an Islamic Country with 97% muslim population! Now they openly want to flout Divine laws and prohibitions. Have they not seen the scenes in western countries on Friday and Saturday Nights when drunk men and women are on the loose? Shame for even proposing such a thing for Pakwatan.
Any body found drinking Alohol should be hanged in Public!. That's it...
Are you people insane??
So far as I know - Alcohal is banned in only 4 countries. Saudia Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. I wonder these four are the only Islamic countries in the world or Muslims only live in these four countries. (confused)
A better thing to do would be to make it openly available, then tax it.
WORD!
God gave us free will and we should be able to exercise it.
At least now the citizens of Pakistan can drown their sorrows in whisky ! What an idea !!
I cant understand this logic if you fail to stop the use of illegal then make it legal, totally nonsense. I understand only those supporting it who are involved it in any form, drinking themselves or sale purchase.
if you are a good muslim, you don't need a ban from the government stopping you from drinking since you can control yourself.
I think everyone should study the Swedish alcohol policy and system, also how alcohol is sold in the country, in a very detailed level before concluding anything
Thank god someone has guts and is being sensible! world over alcohol is sold freely, and enjoyed by those who want to!
Rediculous.
Adults should have the right to choose and be responsible for the consequences. Make it legal, make it safe. That's how mature societies act, not by banning realities we want to hide from.
i likes it
Great idea. All for it. People should have the option to drink alcohol or not. And no one should have the right to tell them not to.
YES! I am so excited to see news of this.
the government should have no right to tell me what i can or cannot drink. several people already drink even though it is illegal. clearly the law does not deter people from drinking This would open up a new sector of the economy and greatly help tourism.prohibition has never worked and i'm glad someone is coming to their senses. I hope we can turn this into a national movement one day.
I think its a good idea. People who want to drink are going to drink anyway, at least through this we can realise that drunk driving is an issue as well and do something about it.
Yes! Alcohol is the glue that keeps communities together! (insert sarcasm)
I completely agree with Khokhar Sahib - I would even say it should be sold openly. People can make their own decisions and distinguish wrong from right.
Finally! Lawmakers talking real issues affecting real citizens.
what is wrong with these people
I endorse Mr. Khokhar on this.
Dude its already easily available in Pakistan everywhere.
Alcohol is pretty easily available in Pakistan if you know where to look and have the money. I do believe that legalising alcohol will enable government to regulate this particular market much more tightly. Legalising alcohol will also reduce the number of deaths caused by poisoned home brewed alcoholic drinks etc. All in all it does make sense to legalise but regulate the alcohol market .. only if we can get past the 'moral police' that will also be hitting this particular comment very soon.
true that
If Alcohol is to be banned,than it should be due to the adverse health effects it can have,not as a surrender to the religious rightwing.One of our democratically elected govt's banned it to appease the religious fanatics.this appeasement didn't save that govt. caving in and surrendering to the religious extremists to ban things they demand to be banned has only worsened our society,because their list is endless,they want to ban anything that is different from the dark ages to which these people's mentality belongs.
It already is!
It would get rid of the hypocrisy on this subject and also generate revenue...... Mr. Khokar has a valid point.
mashAllah...... who are these rulers ??