LHC dismisses petition against liquor sale in Punjab

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court dismissed a petition seeking ban on the sale of liquor in Punjab declaring it non-maintainable. The petition has been dismissed by the Lahore High Court Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal. The petition was moved by Nadeem Sarwar contending that only non-Muslims were permitted to buy liquor on their festivals under the Constitution but it was being sold at hotels and shops throughout the year in connivance with the government officials. He further stated that the licence holders are selling liquor without differentiating between Muslims and non-Muslims buyers. He said even other religions don’t permit consumption of alcohol and non-Muslims were required to get a certificate from their religious leader to get liquor. He implored the court to suspend the licences of selling liquor and issue orders against the violators of the law. The court after hearing the petitioner reserved the verdict. However, it declared the petition non-maintainable while announcing the decision Friday.