The Sindh Assembly has rejected a resolution calling for a complete ban on the sale and purchase of alcohol across the province and the cancellation of all existing liquor licenses, following a heated debate that also brought broader issues of public order, political protest, and law enforcement conduct into focus.
The resolution was presented by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) member Anil Kumar, who urged the provincial government to impose a blanket prohibition on liquor outlets throughout Sindh. The proposal demanded the immediate cancellation of all licenses issued for alcohol sales, arguing that such measures were necessary in the public interest. However, the provincial government opposed the motion, ultimately leading to its rejection by the assembly after deliberations.
Government Pushback on Proposed Liquor Ban
During the debate, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar clearly stated the government’s position against the resolution. He argued that imposing a complete ban on liquor outlets would have wide-ranging social implications and would affect various segments of society. According to the minister, the issue required a more balanced and practical approach rather than a blanket prohibition.
Lanjar emphasized that the government could not support a proposal that, in its view, lacked consideration for legal, social, and administrative realities. After discussion on the floor of the house, the resolution was put to a vote and was subsequently rejected, reflecting the ruling coalition’s stance on the matter.
The decision has once again highlighted the ongoing debate in Sindh over alcohol regulation, religious sensitivities, minority rights, and the limits of legislative intervention in lifestyle-related issues.
Objections Raised Over Handling of Political Protest
The assembly session also witnessed sharp exchanges over an unrelated but politically charged issue when Jamaat-e-Islami member Farooq Farhan raised a point of order. He alleged that a public press conference organized by Jamaat-e-Islami outside the Provincial Election Commission office was disrupted by authorities before party representatives even arrived at the venue.
Farhan claimed that the party’s camp was dismantled and the sound system removed without justification. He further alleged that he was forcibly detained, stating that he was grabbed by his clothes and arrested against his will. While expressing criticism of the incident, he added that he did not hold the police directly responsible, arguing that law enforcement personnel were merely following orders issued by higher authorities.
He demanded clarity on who authorized the action and called for accountability, saying such incidents undermine democratic norms and the right to peaceful political expression.
Interior Minister Promises Inquiry
Responding to the allegations, Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar informed the assembly that an inquiry into the arrest of Farooq Farhan was already underway. He assured lawmakers that responsibility would be fixed and action would be taken against those found at fault.
However, Lanjar also presented the government’s version of events, stating that Jamaat-e-Islami had installed loudspeakers on Shahrah-e-Faisal and blocked both tracks of the major artery, causing severe traffic congestion. He said commuters faced significant difficulties throughout the night due to the road closures.
The interior minister described the act as irresponsible, emphasizing that Shahrah-e-Faisal is one of Karachi’s main roads and cannot be blocked for political activities. He stressed that such actions do not reflect the behavior of responsible or law-abiding citizens.
Law and Order, Court Orders Highlighted
Lanjar further told the house that courts have issued clear directives regarding action against those who block roads, including the registration of terrorism-related cases in certain circumstances. He cited past incidents in which lawyers and political activists allegedly stormed police stations in response to law enforcement actions.
According to the minister, Jamaat-e-Islami workers had gone to a police station and even occupied the station house officer’s chair, an act he described as unacceptable and damaging to the rule of law. He reiterated that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, it must remain within legal boundaries.
Political and Public Reactions
The rejection of the liquor ban resolution and the debate over protest handling sparked mixed reactions within political circles. Supporters of the resolution expressed disappointment, arguing that the assembly missed an opportunity to address moral and social concerns. On the other hand, government allies defended the decision as pragmatic and legally sound.
Civil society observers noted that the session reflected broader tensions in Sindh’s politics, where legislative debates often intersect with issues of public order, governance, and the limits of political activism.
Looking Ahead
The developments in the Sindh Assembly underscore the challenges faced by the provincial government in balancing ideological demands, public order, and administrative considerations. While the liquor ban proposal has been rejected for now, the issue is likely to resurface, given its sensitivity and political resonance.
At the same time, the controversy surrounding political protests and law enforcement actions suggests that dialogue between the government and opposition parties will remain crucial to prevent further escalation. As Sindh navigates these complex issues, the assembly’s proceedings continue to serve as a reflection of the province’s evolving political and social landscape.
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