No complete ban on alcohol in Pakistan

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Hindu lawmaker Dr Ramesh Kumar recently presented a bill asking for a complete ban on alcohol consumption in Pakistan. However, the bill was rejected in the National Assembly.

Demanding to outlaw the trade licence of alcohol for the Hindu community as “it is against the teachings of their religion”, Dr, Ramesh Kumar asked for amendment to Article 37 of the Constitution of Pakistan, permitting the minorities in the country to consume alcohol.

MNA Shunila Ruth, who belongs to the Christian community, also demanded the ban saying, “alcohol is prohibited in their religion too”.

The committee rejected the bill terming it as a publicity stunt and mischievous act. MNA Malik Farooq Azam urged lawmakers not to do something just to gain media hype and publicity. Another, lawmaker Bashir Virk, also spoke against the proposed bill, saying it would  result in the “humiliation for the country across the world”.