KARACHI: The provincial authorities have been directed by the Sindh High Court to recall the licences of liquor shops located in Muslim-majority areas or near mosques, schools and other prohibitory places within 20 days.
A two-member bench had taken up a number of petitions seeking closure of liquor shops being operated in Muslim-majority areas.
Advocate General Zamir Ghumro informed the judges that the provincial government had issued public notices and was conducting this exercise in line of the earlier orders.
“The government was examining the entire process of issuing licences to wine shops afresh and would ensure the recalling or transfer of the licences issued to those wine shops which were located in Muslim community areas or near mosques, schools or other prohibitory places.”
Advocate Saleem Michael and Atam Parkash appearing for the Christian Help Line and Hindu Help Line respectively, asked the court to issue notices to the churches and temples. Upon this request, the judges asked the two counsels to submit a list of 10 churches and as many temples in the court so that notices may be issued.
