The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ordered the Sindh government to shut all the liquor shops across the province.

The high court was disposing off two legal petitions, seeking closure of illegal liquor shops in the province.

The court also ordered authorities to cancel licence of all liquor shops operating in the province and issue fresh licenses after detailed scrutiny.

The ruling observed that in past licences were issued without scrutiny and fulfilment of formalities.

Irfan Ali of Thatta district argued in his petition that a liquor shop had been operating near a school in his locality. He also mentioned that liquor was easily accessible to all, including Muslims and minors as alchohol was being sold less than 50 meters away from Muslim colonies.

The second petitioner, Sheryar David, a resident of Karachi pointed out to the presence of 15 illegal wine shops in the city.

During the hearing of the case, police also submitted a report, affirming the allegations that several liquor shops were operating in violation of rules.

Meanwhile, representatives of Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities also appeared before the court, saying that consuming liquor, on occasions other than specific religious festivals, is prohibited in their respective religions.

Liqour stores sealed after SHC orders

After the Sindh High Court (SHC) ordered the Sindh government to shut all the liquor shops across the province on Thursday, police in in Badin and Thar District's capital Mithi closed down two wine shops.

Police forces were deployed outside the shops after they were shut down.