A constitutional amendment bill submitted to the National Assembly proposes a nationwide ban on alcohol in Pakistan. The proposal aims to remove the existing religious exemption granted to non Muslims under current law.
Member of the National Assembly Naeema Kishwar Khan from Jamiat Ulema e Islam Fazl introduced the bill. The proposed legislation, titled The Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, seeks changes to Article 37 of the Constitution.
At present, the law prohibits alcohol for Muslims but allows limited exemptions for non Muslims for religious purposes. The new amendment aims to remove this exception and introduce a uniform prohibition across the country.
Proposed constitutional change and legal implications
The bill proposes deleting specific wording from paragraph h of Article 37 that permits alcohol use for religious purposes by non Muslims. If Parliament approves the amendment, authorities will no longer have a constitutional basis to issue alcohol permits or exemptions.
The statement of objects and reasons argues that alcohol is prohibited in all religions. It also states that linking alcohol consumption with religious minorities creates unfair distinctions. The document further refers to Article 227, which requires laws to align with Islamic injunctions outlined in the Quran and Sunnah.
Legal experts explain that constitutional amendments require approval from both houses of Parliament with a two thirds majority. Lawmakers will debate the proposal before it moves through committee review and voting stages.
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The bill arrives during ongoing legislative activity in the National Assembly. Lawmakers continue to introduce proposals addressing social and legal reforms. Supporters believe the amendment will create uniform legal standards. Critics, however, may raise concerns related to minority rights and constitutional protections.
If Parliament passes the amendment, the law will take effect immediately upon enactment. Until then, the proposal remains part of the legislative process and does not change existing regulations.
