KARACHI: Chief Justice Sindh High Court Justice Sajjad Ali Shah on Friday observed that the provincial government was unmoved despite the complaints of non-Muslims that Muslims consume liquor in their name.
An SHC bench heard the case regarding ban on liquor shops in the province.
During the hearing the CJ expressed his annoyance to Advocate General Sindh. The CJ SHC questioned AG Sindh under which law the provincial government issued licenses to liquor shops after the Supreme Court verdict in the instant matter.
He remarked that the government was taking refuge behind the SC’s decision.
The CJ further said that under the law, there was ban on open sale of liquor. He said that there was a distinction between the violation of law committed by masses and the government.
Lawyer Sardar Heera Sing took the plea that under Section 17 of Hudood Ordinance, non-Muslims would be provided with liquor only on their religious festivals. He argued that more than 80 percent liquor was acquired by Muslims in the name of non-Muslims.
The court adjourned further hearing till Dec 9.
It is to be mentioned here that the Supreme Court had annulled the Oct 27 Sindh High Court (SHC) order about cancellation of licences of about 124 wine shops in the province.
A three-member bench presided by Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had remanded back the case to SHC for hearings on daily basis.
“This order should not be taken to mean that the Supreme Court has granted permission for the sale of alcohol,” Justice Nisar had said during the hearing.
