Islamic body to decide if minorities in Pakistan can hold liquor licenses

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has given the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) the authority to decide whether minorities in Pakistan can hold liquor licences.

According to reports, this was announced in a verdict by the IHC as it heard a petition against the issuance of these licences.

The court said that the CII the authority to decide this as licences are being granted on the basis of religion. The petition was disposed of after it was forward to the CII.

The Pakistan United Christian Movement and Centre of Rule of Law had filed the petition in the Islamabad High Court. The petitioners said alcohol is also prohibited in Christianity but licenses are being given in its name.

The petitioners also presented a list of 340 liquor licence holders to the court.