Five Islamabad hotels legally permitted to sell alcohol: Ministry

The Ministry of Interior has officially disclosed that five hotels in Islamabad are legally permitted to sell alcohol, according to a written response presented in the National Assembly.

The Interior Ministry informed the Lower House that these hotels operate under L2 licenses, which are specifically issued for the regulated sale of alcohol to non-Muslim foreigners. 

The fee for acquiring an L2 license was currently fixed at Rs500,000, while the annual renewal fee stands at Rs 150,000.

Although the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited for Muslims under the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hudood) Order, 1979, non-Muslims and foreigners are allowed to purchase and consume alcohol in limited, regulated settings, which include licensed hotels and designated shops.

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The five hotels, typically high-end establishments catering to international travellers and diplomatic guests, are reportedly under close monitoring and must comply with strict regulatory guidelines.

The information came in response to a query raised by a member of the National Assembly, highlighting growing public interest in transparency regarding the licensing and regulation of alcohol in the federal capital.

While the government maintains its stance on prohibition for the Muslim population, it continues to issue licenses to selected businesses to serve non-Muslim patrons, primarily to accommodate international standards of hospitality and tourism.

Pakistan has maintained a legal ban on alcohol for Muslims since the 1970s, with exceptions carved out for religious minorities and foreign visitors.

Government-regulated permits and licenses aim to control and monitor the limited legal sale and consumption, especially in urban centres like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.