Is drinking alcohol legal in Karachi
Because Pakistan is an Islamic country that follows Islamic rules and regulations, the consumption of alcohol is also prohibited. Pakistani alcohol law was liberal when the country gained independence in 1947. However, due to a surge in alcohol consumption among the people and a violent protest campaign led by an alliance of right-wing religious groups and other anti-Bhutto forces, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s populist administration prohibited the sale of alcohol in Pakistan. Learn how to get alcohol in Karachi as tourists.
Non-Muslims drink alcohol in Karachi
Alcohol consumption is illegal in Islam, the majority religion in Pakistan. Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims since it is considered wicked. Nonetheless, it is uncertain whether non-Muslims can consume alcohol in Karachi. Pakistan has strict alcohol consumption laws and a legal system founded on Islamic principles.
Only non-Muslims and foreigners with a particular government permit are allowed to sell and consume alcohol. The provincial government’s Excise and Taxation Department issues the license, which is only valid for a limited time. Non-Muslims may use alcohol in private, but not in public. In Karachi, alcohol consumption by non-Muslims is frowned upon and not generally accepted. However, the government has allowed non-Muslims to purchase alcohol, which is sold in designated stores.
It’s important to keep in mind that Pakistan strictly enforces its alcohol consumption laws, and violators suffer serious consequences. It’s important to respect local traditions and customs when visiting Karachi and to refrain from doing anything that can offend or upset the locals.
Hotel Bars in Karachi With Alcohol
The most convenient way to drink alcohol in Karachi is to stay at a hotel with a licensed bar. Only a few do, such as:
Pearl Continental Hotel
Also known as PC, it is the best venue in Karachi to have a beer or a cocktail. You can drink at numerous venues, including their steakhouse Jason’s, the rooftop restaurant Sakura Sushi, the second-floor sports club, and, of course, your accommodation. The eatery Chandni has live music.
Marriott Hotel
Marriott offers alcohol in both the hotel and the restaurant Dumpukht, which serves Pakistani cuisine and occasionally features live music. Nadia Coffee Lounge may also have a live band.
Ramada Plaza
Ramada Plaza offers beer in guest rooms and at the poolside BBQ area.
Avari Towers
This hotel serves alcohol in its rooms.
Beach Luxury Hotel
This hotel occasionally hosts live music and dispenses alcohol in its guest rooms.
Restaurants Where Alcohol Is Permitted
The following is a list of Karachi restaurants that allow alcohol. Some will serve alcohol if you have your passport with you, while others will let you bring your bottle of wine or beer. Make sure there is no label on it so that other visitors can’t see what you’re drinking.
Café Flo: French restaurant. Serves wine.
Cote Rotie: French restaurant within the Alliance Française.
Okra: Okra is an expensive fine-dining restaurant. You can bring your bottle.
Café Aylanto: This upscale eatery enables customers to bring their bottles. Just inform the waiters so that they can seat you in a more private place.
E Street Mews: E Street Mews is a European-style bistro.
Buying Alcohol in Karachi
Non-Muslims in Pakistan are allowed to purchase a specific amount of alcohol each month. That’s almost 3% of the population or 6 million individuals. You might be astonished to learn that Murree Brewery, a local alcohol manufacturer, is one of Pakistan’s most profitable firms.
Legal and black market spirit shops are widely available in Karachi, particularly in the affluent neighborhoods of Clifton and Defence.
However, a can of beer is relatively pricey, costing around $2.50 per bottle. This has turned alcohol into a status symbol among the elite, who distinguish themselves from the rest of the populace by offering it at dinners and gatherings.
