Pakistan has restarted the export of alcoholic beverages after a gap of nearly 50 years. The country’s only domestic manufacturer, Murree Brewery, dispatched consignments of beer and other alcoholic drinks to countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Portugal and Thailand in April 2026. According to the company’s export management, efforts are currently underway to establish a broader international distribution network, with plans to gradually increase production capacity in line with overseas demand. The exports follow the Pakistani government’s 2025 decision to permit alcohol shipments to select countries that are not part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Ban on alcohol and limited exemptions Alcohol consumption remains largely prohibited for Muslims in Pakistan, a restriction introduced in 1977 by then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto amid political pressure and religious considerations. The ban was part of a broader set of measures, including the closure of bars and nightclubs, during a period of political unrest and opposition movements. However, exemptions exist for non-Muslims and foreign nationals, who can legally purchase alcohol through licensed outlets under a permit system. Despite the restrictions, alcohol has remained accessible through informal channels over the years. Stricter enforcement under military rule The prohibition laws were further tightened after General Zia-ul-Haq came to power in 1977, linking alcohol restrictions more explicitly to Islamic law and introducing stricter penalties. At the same time, licensed liquor outlets operating under non-Muslim ownership continued to function, providing limited legal access. During the tenure of former president Pervez Musharraf (1999–2008), enforcement of these laws was relatively relaxed, leading to an increase in the number of licensed outlets, particularly in regions like Sindh and Balochistan. Economic backdrop and rising debt The resumption of exports comes at a time when Pakistan is facing significant economic challenges. The country’s external debt is estimated at approximately $138 billion, including liabilities held by the government, private sector, banks and corporations. Government finances also reflect a widening fiscal imbalance. For the fiscal year 2026, Pakistan’s revenue is estimated at around 11,072 billion Pakistani rupees (approximately $40 billion), while expenditure has risen to about 16,286 billion rupees (around $58 billion). A substantial portion, over 8,200 billion rupees (roughly $30 billion), is being spent on servicing debt alone. Murree Brewery’s shift back to alcohol exports In recent years, Murree Brewery had largely focused on non-alcoholic products such as fruit juices, mineral water and soft drinks, which it exported internationally. The company’s reported annual earnings stood at around $100 million in the last fiscal year. The latest move signals a return to its earlier business model, when it exported alcoholic beverages to countries including India, Afghanistan and the United States before the ban. Company leadership had been seeking export permissions for some time, eventually securing approval under the revised policy framework. Historical context and ongoing debate Before prohibition, alcohol consumption and trade were part of Pakistan’s urban culture, particularly in cities like Karachi. The 1977 ban was influenced by political pressures, including demands from opposition groups during protests against the Bhutto government. Over time, critics of prohibition have argued that strict bans contributed to the rise of illegal liquor networks and, in some cases, the consumption of more dangerous substances such as heroin. Data from earlier decades suggests a sharp increase in heroin use following the enforcement of stricter alcohol laws. At the same time, religious groups continue to support prohibition, maintaining that alcohol consumption is incompatible with Islamic principles. Studies have also indicated that despite legal restrictions, alcohol consumption has persisted through informal means, highlighting the limitations of enforcement. Cultural and historical roots Alcohol consumption in South Asia dates back thousands of years, with evidence from the Indus Valley Civilisation indicating early production and use. Historical records from the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods also suggest that alcohol and other intoxicants were widely consumed, even among ruling elites, though attempts at prohibition were made intermittently.
Emphasize accuracy and depth.