The Patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC), Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani on Thursday called the sale of alcohol in the name of Non-Muslims is "blasphemous" act, and demands a complete ban throughout the year. He was commenting on the Sindh High Court (SHC)'s bold orders to the Sindh Police for immediate closure of all wine shops across the province with immediate effect. He also supported the IG Sindh A D Khawaja in this regard.
Dr Vankwani regretted that sale, production, importation and transportation of alcoholic beverages in Pakistan occurred under the banner of Non-Muslims, which he called as a blasphemy act. He urged that the usage of alcohol is forbidden in all religions including Hinduism, adding that Pakistan Hindu Council demands to ban it across the country. Giving references from Hindu's Holy Book 'Shrimad Baghwat Piran', he said that according to the teachings of Askand-2, Adhya-17, Shilok-38, 39, 40, 41, alcohol is strictly forbidden for all followers, specially leadership.
He further informed about his efforts to present a bill in the parliament last year to ban the sale of alcohol in the name of minorities. Dr Ramesh claimed that IG Sindh A D Khawaja has already known the three influential people behind the business of alcohol in the name of Non-Muslims. He appealed to the Sindh High Court for directing the parliament to curb the social-evil.
"In any case, if the wine shops owners try to challenge the High Court orders, I will personally appear before the honourable court to represent the Hindu community," he said, while mentioning the detailed judgement by the Supreme Court for protection of minorities on June 19, 2014 a positive step. Dr Vankwani also requested the Court for directing the authorities to take strict action against the illegal wine shops, located in the homes. He assured the Court for his cooperation to identify such shops, which were also informed to the local police in the past.