KARACHI: Three individuals lost their lives in Rizvia Society, located in Nazimabad No. 1, after allegedly consuming poisonous liquor, police confirmed on Monday.
Sindh Inspector General (IG) Javed Alam Odho took notice of the incident and directed authorities to submit an urgent and comprehensive report. According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, the report has been sought from the Central district’s senior superintendent of police (SSP).
IG Odho ordered that a transparent, impartial and thorough investigation be carried out, emphasising that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice under the law.
Referring to the ongoing minority festival of Holi, he stressed the need for strict action against those involved in the sale of toxic liquor and other narcotics.
Incidents of liquor poisoning are not uncommon in Pakistan, where alcohol consumption and sale are prohibited for Muslims. Non-Muslims are legally permitted to consume alcohol, but many low-income individuals turn to cheap, homemade brews that are often adulterated.
While wealthier consumers typically purchase bootlegged alcohol at inflated prices, poorer segments frequently rely on illicitly produced liquor, which may contain methanol — a toxic substance used in antifreeze and fuel. Methanol consumption can result in blindness, organ failure and death.
Ordinarily, alcoholic beverages are made from ethyl alcohol, which does not generate the harmful acids in the body that lead to fatal poisoning.