ISLAMABAD: A member of Christian community on Friday filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking ban on sale, storage and consumption of liquor.

Joseph Masih also challenged over-issuing of permits in the name of Christians or non-Muslims in Islamabad.

The petitioner contended that granting liquor permits gave a bad impression of the Christian community.

He cited interior secretary, the chief commissioner of the Islamabad Capital Territory and the director Excise and Taxation as respondents.

The petition said non-Muslims made up more than 5pc of the population, majority of which were Christians.

It maintained that liquor was prohibited in Bible and the Christian community avoided using, consuming and taking liquor and sought a complete ban.

The petition on the other hand said the permit for non-Muslims not only encouraged Christians to consume the liquor but Muslims also benefited from this permission as they could get liquor from hotels and other places.

The petitioner requested the court to direct the respondents to stop issuing all kinds of liquor permits in the name of Christians or non-Muslims.

He further requested complete ban on use, consumption, storage, sale and purchase of liquor in the capital.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2017