THATTA: Leaders of public opinion, civil society and socio-political activists have strongly opposed preparation for opening a new liquor shop in the city and warned of a massive protest if the excise department does not put a stop to it.

Jeay Sindh Mahaz chairman Riaz Chandio, Qaumi Awami Tehreek leader Dada Qadir Ranto, Sindh Culture Forum chairman Sadiq Faqir, Thatta Nawjawan Forum president Zahid Solangi and others told Dawn on Saturday that the minister for excise and taxation Gianchand Esrani had abused his powers by having renewed licences for liquor shops cancelled in 2001 and open the shops in different cities.

They said that under Sindh Excise Rule 108 Para 102 a licensee was not allowed to run his business at any other town or city except the place for which the licence had been issued.

But in violation to the rules, the minister had recently allowed shifting of Mazda liquor shop from Karachi to Hyderabad, Sea View liquor shop from Karachi to Talhar and four other shops to different towns, they said.

They also pointed out that the excise rules also prohibited the existence of a liquor shop within the radius of 100 metres around a place of worship but the new liquor shop being allowed to be opened in Thatta was very close to a mosque and an imambargah.

They said that although they were least concerned about the minister’s misuse of authority, but being responsible citizens they were seriously worried about the future of new generation which had already fallen prey to narcotics in the twin towns of Thatta and Makli.

They said the population, particularly the young, in this tail end poverty stricken coastal district that was deprived of even the most essential basic amenities like healthcare and education was being given a liquor shop to further plunge its future into darkness.

They feared the new liquor shop would no doubt lead further to ruination of new generation and demanded immediate cancellation of the license for the menace.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2016