A senior Christian leader has warned that interfaith harmony could be potentially damaged if the government fails to prohibit the sale of liquor during the upcoming sacred fasting periods for both Muslims and Christians.
Christian Rights Defense Council (CRDC) Chairman Adil George Matto issued a statement on Sunday demanding the closure of all liquor stores and a complete ban on the sale and purchase of alcoholic beverages during the holy month of Ramadan and the Christian community’s 40-day Lenten season.
The demand comes as Pakistan’s Muslim and Christian communities are preparing to begin their sacred observances nearly simultaneously. The 40-day Lenten period for Christians begins on February 18 with Ash Wednesday, a time when followers abstain from worldly evils to seek divine pleasure.
In his statement, Mr. Matto congratulated both communities and described the occasion as an ideal opportunity for religious harmony, mutual respect, and a collective move away from social evils. He reiterated that allowing liquor shops to operate during this sacred time would be a significant threat to communal relations.
He stressed that alcohol consumption is considered undesirable and forbidden in Christianity, arguing that a complete ban is necessary to uphold the sanctity of the fasts.
Citing the term “Umm al-Khaba’ith” (the mother of all evils), the CRDC chairman described alcohol as a source of discord and corruption that leads to the downfall of a person’s successful life.
Mr. Matto concluded by making a special appeal to Christian youth, urging them to completely abstain from alcohol consumption and uphold their religious and moral values.