Alcohol consumption is prohibited in Islam. However, like many Muslim-majority countries, there are some Pakistanis who do drink alcohol despite the religious prohibition. This article will explore alcohol use and attitudes in Pakistan, and examine if and why some Pakistani Muslims still choose to drink.
Alcohol Prohibition in Islam
In Islam, alcohol is considered haram, or forbidden. There are several verses in the Quran that prohibit intoxicants:
“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah ], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” (Quran 5:90)
“They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, “In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.” (Quran 2:219)
Drinking alcohol is listed as one of the major sins in Islam. Consuming intoxicants clouds the mind, impairs judgement, and can lead to other sinful behaviors. Thus, all observant Muslims avoid alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol Laws in Pakistan
As an Islamic Republic, the law in Pakistan prohibits alcohol for Muslims. The Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order of 1979 banned the consumption and sale of alcohol for Muslims. Non-Muslims are allowed to possess alcohol for personal use, but cannot sell to Muslims.
Punishments for violating alcohol laws include fines, imprisonment, and flogging. Despite the strict laws, alcohol is still available in Pakistan, especially for non-Muslims, foreign tourists, and elite or secularized Pakistanis.
Alcohol Consumption in Pakistan
According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption per capita in Pakistan is very low compared to global averages. However, this does not mean that no alcohol is consumed in the country.
The following key factors influence alcohol use in Pakistan:
Availability in Minority Communities
Christians, Hindus, and other religious minorities can obtain alcohol licenses and legally drink. Higher alcohol use is found among these populations.
Among the Elite Classes
Wealthy Pakistanis can often discreetly acquire and consume alcohol. Private parties serving alcohol are not uncommon among upper class Pakistanis.
Foreign Expats and Tourists
Foreigners living in or visiting Pakistan can access alcohol in specific shops, hotels, embassies and private clubs. However, public drinking is still prohibited.
Black Market Trade
There is an underground market for alcohol, often moonshine or smuggled liquor. This provides access for poorer Pakistanis despite the legal restrictions.
Who Drinks in Pakistan?
While the majority of Pakistani Muslims completely abstain from alcohol, there are some specific groups more likely to drink, either occasionally or regularly:
Secular and Liberal Muslims
Secularized and more liberal Muslims in cities like Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore are more likely to drink, often privately in elite social circles.
Young Men
Young Pakistani men are one of the demographics most likely to consume alcohol. Drinking may be seen as fun, masculine, and cosmopolitan by some.
Members of Lower Socioeconomic Classes
Poorer Pakistanis may drink homemade liquor out of desperation or as an escape from poverty despite religious prohibitions.
| Group | Likelihood of Drinking |
|---|---|
| Secular/liberal Muslims | High |
| Young men | Moderate |
| Lower class | Moderate |
| General Muslim population | Very Low |
Reasons Why Some Muslims in Pakistan Drink
Here are some of the major reasons cited for alcohol consumption among Pakistani Muslims, even though it is forbidden in Islam:
Rebellion Against Tradition
Some young Pakistanis may drink as an act of rebellion, to reject traditional norms or experience something new and exciting.
Persistence of Pre-Islamic Culture
Drinking alcohol persists in some ethnic groups like Balochis where it predates Islam. Changing ancient cultural practices can take time.
Lack of Religiosity
Less devout Muslims may rationalize drinking by downplaying the religious prohibition and bans.
Stress and Coping Mechanism
Some Pakistanis deal with stress, anxiety or depression through drinking. Alcohol provides temporary relief and escape.
Social Pressure
Group norms, especially among young men, can promote drinking as fun and masculine. This creates peer pressure.
Accessing Alcohol in Pakistan
Despite the prohibition, determined drinkers still have ways to access alcohol in Pakistan:
Black Market
There is an underground trade in smuggled or illegally homemade liquor. This provides alcohol to drinkers across class lines.
Minority Liquor Shops/Licenses
Bootlegging of alcohol sold legally in Christian and Hindu areas provides some access to Muslims.
Pharmacies
Some pharmacies illegally sell medicinal alcohol marked for “external use only.”
Homemade Alcohol
Illicit homebrewed liquor provides cheap alcohol to poorer drinkers though it risks contamination.
Foreign Tourist Hotels/Clubs
Wealthier Pakistanis can access alcohol designated for foreigners in elite hotels and clubs.
Religious and Cultural Attitudes Towards Drinking
The predominant religious and cultural attitude among Pakistani Muslims is very strong disapproval of alcohol consumption. However, views are changing among some demographics:
Conservative Islamic View
Most Pakistani Muslims share an uncompromising view of the absolute religious prohibition on alcohol.
Rejection Among Elders
Older generations strongly oppose alcohol as immoral and un-Islamic.
Increasing Tolerance Among Youth
Some younger, more secular Pakistanis are growing more tolerant and open to alcohol consumption.
Stigma Against Public Intoxication
While discreet elite drinking may be condoned, there is still shame associated with visible public drunkenness.
The Complex Reality
While drinking alcohol remains taboo and is prohibited by law for Muslim Pakistanis, the reality on the ground is complex. A minority clearly consumes alcohol, either regularly or occasionally, despite religious injunctions and legal bans. However, most Pakistani Muslims still strongly condemn alcohol consumption as fundamentally incompatible with Islam.