How common is alcohol or drug use among the upper-income in Pakistan?

[The Viper]

ANF destroys drugs worth Rs378b in Quetta

QUETTA: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on Thursday destroyed drugs worth at least Rs378 billion, seized in various operations in Quetta.

Federal Minister for Counter-Narcotics Azam Khan Swati and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri were also present on the occasion.

"Severe punishment would be given to those who are destroying the future of our youth," Swati said. "We will continue our war for the complete elimination of drugs, as well as its smugglers."

Swati added that the capability of ANF would be increased for the complete eradication of drugs from the country and stressed that everyone, especially the media and parents, should play their role to ensure a drug-free environment for our youth.

ANF's Brigadier Aqib Nazir Chaudhry said that the force was making all possible efforts to curb the menace in the country. “[At least] 180 tonnes of various types of drugs have been burnt. Its value in the international market is more than Rs378 billion," he added.

In August, the ANF foiled a smuggling bid and confiscated 177 kilogrammes of methamphetamine at the containers terminal of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.

According to the ANF, they received a tip-off and searched 10 containers bound for Dubai, finding drugs in eight.

ANF officials stated that the containers had been booked by Saheer Trading Company in Sialkot and were to be received by Huzaifa Trading Company in Dubai.

They further claimed that methamphetamine was more dangerous than heroin.

A case was registered against the exporters was registered and an investigation launched into the trading company as well as the suspects, Abdul Waris and Sadiq Khan.

The ANF also seized 28kg of heroin and 9kg of hashish from a car at Sahiyanwala Toll Plaza and arrested a suspected smuggler in July.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2267495/anf-destroys-drugs-worth-rs378b-in-quetta

 

[Bigboii]

Tbh this is not a new phenomena what's new is that alcohol is not somewhat "mainstream" like it used to be

Weed and opium was used by everyday Pakistanis for centuries its not something new (other hard drugs are a new phenomenon)

Drinks were legal till 70s, you could advertise it (back than even Indians had problem with its advertisement Gandhi wanted to ban alcohol completely while Jinnah had no problem with drinking (nor did any Pakistani PM in the history of the country and till it was banned in Pakistan no PM hid their drinking habits either)

There were bars in cities around the country and in military's facilities, maybe even in government buildings (but I am not so sure about this one)

Hell even in urban middle class lots of people drank back in 60, 70s (this is not researched but I am going by what my parents said about the time and my father especially who references "9 chuhay kha kar billi chaly hajj ko" when talking about majority of his older relatives who look like Molvis know but back than were drinking like fishes but none of their children drink (or at least not publicly like their parents used to)) - Zia did bring back Islamic values even in peoples private life if you think about it...

so I am sure if people sit down with their parents from (50s,60s,70s) and if they are open about this sort of taboo subject they'll have stories of people drinking (their friends, relatives) and how common it was for people to be drinking in society at the time (people knew the cricket team, president, minister, military's officers, musicians (NFK died of lung/alcohol complications) and countless others drank alcohol at the time)

I know people have this thinking that older generation is more conservatives than them but millennials in Pakistan are one of the most conservative groups in the history of the country because we are comparing them relative to the time they are living in maybe generation after them would change

Know we have established that historically alcohol, drugs was somewhat mainstream back in the day regardless of income, class level

But how did it survive in upper class when it (mostly) died of in the middle, lower class

Because they were exposed to the outside world unlike other classes of Pakistan
States propaganda/power could easily impact other classes of people but not the rich class

They didn't fear law like maybe in Zia days a middle/lower class man would do nor did they watched state Tv or Pakistani newspapers so the state's propaganda didn't reach them

So culturally this Islamic revolution that was taking place under Zia didn't impact the upper classes that much so their culture, values remain intact like it was pre-Zia days

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Very common unfortunately. Many young people in Pakistan use substances to make up for a lack of personality. They don’t know how to have fun without them

 

[FearlessRoar]

Customs officials seize drugs worth over Rs10m​

Pakistan Customs officials in Karachi seized over Rs10 million worth of drugs in a major operation.

According to Express News, Deputy Collector Customs Raza Naqvi reported on Sunday that two separate actions led to the recovery of nine kilograms of high-value narcotics.

The operation, based on confidential intelligence, targeted the transportation of drugs from Balochistan to Karachi via passenger buses.

In the first action at the Mochko check post, officials seized 3.6 kilograms of drugs from a bus. The second action resulted in the confiscation of 5.4 kilograms of drugs from another passenger bus. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at Rs10.62 million.

Additionally, the customs officials confiscated the buses used in the smuggling operation. The deputy collector stated that cases have been registered, and the suspects involved have been arrested. The seized drugs and buses have been transferred to the customs warehouse.

Customs officials seize drugs worth over Rs10m | The Express Tribune

Authorities intercepted buses transporting drugs from Balochistan to Karachi

tribune.com.pk

 

[Hitman]

Customs officials seize drugs worth over Rs10m​

Pakistan Customs officials in Karachi seized over Rs10 million worth of drugs in a major operation.

According to Express News, Deputy Collector Customs Raza Naqvi reported on Sunday that two separate actions led to the recovery of nine kilograms of high-value narcotics.

The operation, based on confidential intelligence, targeted the transportation of drugs from Balochistan to Karachi via passenger buses.

In the first action at the Mochko check post, officials seized 3.6 kilograms of drugs from a bus. The second action resulted in the confiscation of 5.4 kilograms of drugs from another passenger bus. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at Rs10.62 million.

Additionally, the customs officials confiscated the buses used in the smuggling operation. The deputy collector stated that cases have been registered, and the suspects involved have been arrested. The seized drugs and buses have been transferred to the customs warehouse.

Customs officials seize drugs worth over Rs10m | The Express Tribune

Authorities intercepted buses transporting drugs from Balochistan to Karachi

tribune.com.pk

10.62 million PKR = 38,257 USD

That's a pretty significant amount.

 

[Bewal Express]

Generally Money earnt through haraam means will be spent on haraam things.

 

[Hitman]

Generally Money earnt through haraam means will be spent on haraam things.

Drug peddling is such a menace in my state as well. The police has cracked down very heavily on it in the last 5 odd years.

 

[Bhaijaan]

These are mere allegations. Drinking is strictly considered haram in Islam and the establishment is the custodian of the Islamic republic of Pakistan. They would never allow it.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Pakistani man executed in Saudi Arabia for smuggling drugs​

Saudi Arabia executed Pakistani citizen Kitab Gul for heroin smuggling, as reported by Express News on Wednesday. Gul was arrested for drug trafficking and sentenced to death by a local court.

Subsequent appeals to the higher courts, including the Supreme Court, upheld the death sentence. The Saudi Ministry of Interior confirmed the execution, stating it followed a royal decree after the Supreme Court's decision. The execution was carried out today.

Drug smuggling is considered a severe crime in Saudi Arabia, often resulting in the death penalty. Traditionally, this penalty is executed by beheading, although other methods have been tested recently.

Gul's execution highlights the strict enforcement of drug laws in the kingdom. The case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia.

Pakistani man executed in Saudi Arabia for smuggling drugs | The Express Tribune

Saudi Arabia enforces strict penalties for drug trafficking.

tribune.com.pk

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan should get strict with drugs like Indonesia.

Drug dealers should be jailed if not more.

 

[FearlessRoar]

New drug trafficking method using Google Maps uncovered in Khyber​

Drug dealers in the Khyber district have adopted advanced technology, using Google Maps to conduct their operations more discreetly.

This modern method of drug trafficking, which has emerged at both domestic and international levels, involves using GPS coordinates and messaging apps to facilitate the distribution process.

The strategy, known locally as the "Location Network," enables major dealers to deliver drugs across the country from the Khyber district.

Instead of traditional hand-to-hand transactions, smugglers place drugs at predetermined locations in various cities and villages, take pictures of these sites, and send the images and coordinates to main dealers in Khyber via WhatsApp.

The dealers then forward this information to buyers, allowing them to retrieve the drugs without direct contact. Payments are made electronically through bank transfers.

Owal Gul, a Khyber resident involved in the Location Network, confirmed that he received instructions from major dealers to distribute drugs in Sialkot, Punjab.

He described the operation as straightforward, noting that each major dealer has an organized network that functions both nationally and internationally. This method is used daily and is considered relatively secure because it minimizes physical interactions.

The operation, which extends to Gulf States and Western countries, is reportedly centered in the United Arab Emirates. Payments for drugs are sent to Khyber's major dealers through temporary or anonymous bank accounts.

Khyber District Police Officer Saleem Abbas stated that the WhatsApp accounts used by the network are often registered under false names, and payments from abroad are channeled through various accounts to avoid detection.

The Gulf States' stringent anti-drug laws have contributed to the adoption of this method, which reduces the need for physical couriers and relies on technology for coordination.

Despite the sophistication of the operation, police have been working to dismantle the network. According to DPO Abbas, capturing the network poses challenges due to its discreet nature. However, authorities monitor individuals who suddenly gain unexplained wealth and investigate their mobile devices for evidence of involvement.

This approach has led to successful interventions and arrests.

Police DSP Sawal Zar Khan, SHO Adnan Afridi, SHO Muhammad Haroon, and ASI Muhammad Baz have been at the forefront of operations against the Location Network in Khyber.

They reported dismantling a significant portion of the network over the past six months, registering 65 cases and arresting 120 individuals linked to the operation.

As a result, some major dealers have reportedly moved their activities to other regions, such as Peshawar.

From June 2023 to June 2024, police seized significant quantities of drugs, including 7,041 kilograms of cannabis, 402 kilograms of opium, 437 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 605 kilograms of other substances.

The successful operations in Khyber have also led to a decrease in drug trafficking activities in the Gulf region.

Acknowledging the efforts of local law enforcement, the United Arab Emirates' Minister of Interior awarded DPO Khyber Saleem Abbas Kalachi a certificate of appreciation and an honorary shield. This recognition was facilitated by IGP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Akhtar Hayat Khan and reflects the cross-border implications of the anti-drug efforts in Khyber.

New drug trafficking method using Google Maps uncovered in Khyber | The Express Tribune

Known locally as 'Location Network', the strategy enables major dealers to deliver drugs across the country and beyond

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Female drug dealer supplying drugs to educational institutions arrested'

He informed that ANF successfully conducting operations across the country against drug pushers to make educational institutions drug-free.

A female accused involved in supplying drugs to the students in educational institutions was arrested red-handed. The arrested drug dealer was involved in supplying drugs to a well-known educational institution in Islamabad.

The spokesman informed that acting on a tip-off, a raid was conducted and the accused was arrested with drugs near an educational institution.

During the search of the arrested accused, 4.8 kg hashish and 1.2 kg opium were recovered, he said.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the accused used to smuggle drugs from Peshawar to supply to the students of the educational institutions. The accused also disclosed selling drugs to university students.

The spokesman informed that the arrested accused belongs to Peshawar.

A case has been registered against the accused under the Anti-Narcotics Act and further investigation is under process.

Female drug dealer supplying drugs to educational institutions arrested

RAWALPINDI: Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting a raid managed to arrest a female drug dealer and seized six kg drugs, said an ANF Headquarters

arynews.tv

 

[Kianig89]

These are mere allegations. Drinking is strictly considered haram in Islam and the establishment is the custodian of the Islamic republic of Pakistan. They would never allow it.

Ice my friend

 

[KB]

I will quote a passage from Rosa Armytage study on elites in Pakistan, Big Capital in an Unequal World.

It is first important to stress that by elites, she is referring to the wealth owners. She adopts a narrow definition of an elite and in her words is referring to:

“the Pakistani business elite, those belonging to families who generate at least US 100 million dollars in revenue per year – the economic and political ‘1%’. The families included in my research owned the nation’s major industrial and business assets, but they were also often part of extended families with a major role in national or provincial politics, or who had close family ties to the senior-most ranks of Pakistan’s very powerful military establishment.”

This grouping includes an ‘established’ elite whose wealth spans over generations and a ‘new rich’ whose wealth is of a more recent origin. The established elite may look down on the new rich, seeing them as a group lacking in ‘proper’ comportment. On the other hand the new rich emphasise their own diligence and honesty in contradistinction to the established elites hereditary advantage.

With this context, I now quote a passage from Armytage’s book, which I think is germane to this thread:

“During eleven months [the 12th month being Ramadan] of the year, the individuals who would not drink alcohol at the elite social events I attended were in stark minority. With the exception of an event I attended hosted by the Afridis in their village in KP, almost all of the events I attended with these business elites in the urban centres of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi involved alcohol. This was notably not the case with the social events of middle-class, mid-scale industrialists where alcohol was usually not served. Among my elite informant group, however, even the younger generation of Afridis provided alcohol at their social events, though they themselves did not drink it. It was an expected social convention among most the elite. Because of the widely held connotation between drinking alcohol and a socially liberal and secular outlook, those Punjabis who did not drink often defensively proclaimed their socially liberal views.”

 

[FearlessRoar]

Pakistan confiscates over 1064 tonnes of narcotics since Sept 2023

In a nationwide operation, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) along with other security forces of Pakistan seized over 1062.894 metric tons of narcotics across the country since September 2023.

According to official stastics, law enforcement agencies have arrested 2,350 drug peddlers and smugglers nationwide during the period. The operation is part of the government’s efforts to combat the illegal drug trade and make Pakistan a drug-free nation.

In the past week alone, the authorities concerned seized over 326 kilograms (kg) of narcotics and apprehended 12 drug peddlers. Significant seizures were made in various provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, and Sindh.

“The government’s anti-narcotics efforts are ongoing, with security forces and law enforcement agencies working to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country.”

Earlier, the Customs authorities successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs into Pakistan via the International Mail Office (IMO) at Jinnah International Airport Karachi.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Customs team, led by Collector Adeem Khan and supported by ADC Muhammad Faysal Khan and AC Sharjeel Abbas Wasan, detained a suspicious EMS parcel labeled as ‘Fresh Galangal (Thai Ginger)’ originating from Bangkok, Thailand.

The parcel was subjected to examination and a lab test which revealed that the package contained 500 grams of Marijuana (Cannabis), valued at approximately Rs 2.25 million.

The parcel was sent to Muhammad Usama Mahmood, a resident of Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi.

Pakistan confiscates over 1064 tonnes of narcotics since Sept 2023

ISLAMABAD: In a nationwide operation, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) along with other security forces of Pakistan seized over 1062.894 metric tons of

arynews.tv

 

[Bhaijaan]

Losing out on all that tax money the government can have through the sale of alcohol. It’s not a matter of time even Saudis will start allowing alcohol in their cities

 

[Farhan The Man]

Losing out on all that tax money the government can have through the sale of alcohol. It’s not a matter of time even Saudis will start allowing alcohol in their cities

It is already prevalent. Reports from mecca/medina are the same.

Saudi Arabia to allow first alcohol sales in 72 years, dividing opinion

Shop will be open only to non-Muslim diplomats – but some fear it is first step to wider availability of alcohol in teetotal kingdom

www.theguardian.com

 

[Bhaijaan]

It is already prevalent. Reports from mecca/medina are the same.

Saudi Arabia to allow first alcohol sales in 72 years, dividing opinion

Shop will be open only to non-Muslim diplomats – but some fear it is first step to wider availability of alcohol in teetotal kingdom

www.theguardian.com

This is for diplomats. It’s an old news.

I am saying that very soon you will probably see them allow it for regular non muslim folks.

Although in case of Saudi, it won’t be about raising tax money but about making their country more attractive to foreign tourists who wanna have fun.

 

[Local.Dada]

Indian Hindus in statehouse and pious Pakistanis in clubs/bars is not a rare sight in the USA or even Canada at least.

Pak is obviously an ultra conservative society and the British immigrants also seem fresh of the boat based on the photos so they probably bring the same sensibilities so it becomes a big deal.

I have seen hijabi ladies work in Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s in USA. They serve ham and pork in those places . Now obviously they might not consume it but it is called dignity of labor. In Pak or Uk or even in India probably they will prefer to sit unemployed for religion. Doesn’t work that way in the west.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pak is obviously an ultra conservative society and the British immigrants also seem fresh of the boat based on the photos so they probably bring the same sensibilities so it becomes a big deal.

This is a myth.

Resident Pakistanis are far more open minded than most non resident Pakistanis.

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan confiscates over 1064 tonnes of narcotics since Sept 2023

In a nationwide operation, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) along with other security forces of Pakistan seized over 1062.894 metric tons of narcotics across the country since September 2023.

According to official stastics, law enforcement agencies have arrested 2,350 drug peddlers and smugglers nationwide during the period. The operation is part of the government’s efforts to combat the illegal drug trade and make Pakistan a drug-free nation.

In the past week alone, the authorities concerned seized over 326 kilograms (kg) of narcotics and apprehended 12 drug peddlers. Significant seizures were made in various provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, and Sindh.

“The government’s anti-narcotics efforts are ongoing, with security forces and law enforcement agencies working to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country.”

Earlier, the Customs authorities successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs into Pakistan via the International Mail Office (IMO) at Jinnah International Airport Karachi.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Customs team, led by Collector Adeem Khan and supported by ADC Muhammad Faysal Khan and AC Sharjeel Abbas Wasan, detained a suspicious EMS parcel labeled as ‘Fresh Galangal (Thai Ginger)’ originating from Bangkok, Thailand.

The parcel was subjected to examination and a lab test which revealed that the package contained 500 grams of Marijuana (Cannabis), valued at approximately Rs 2.25 million.

The parcel was sent to Muhammad Usama Mahmood, a resident of Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi.

Pakistan confiscates over 1064 tonnes of narcotics since Sept 2023

ISLAMABAD: In a nationwide operation, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) along with other security forces of Pakistan seized over 1062.894 metric tons of

arynews.tv

Great news.

All countries should crack down hard on drugs and drug dealers.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Indian Hindus in statehouse and pious Pakistanis in clubs/bars is not a rare sight in the USA or even Canada at least.

Pak is obviously an ultra conservative society and the British immigrants also seem fresh of the boat based on the photos so they probably bring the same sensibilities so it becomes a big deal.

I have seen hijabi ladies work in Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s in USA. They serve ham and pork in those places . Now obviously they might not consume it but it is called dignity of labor. In Pak or Uk or even in India probably they will prefer to sit unemployed for religion. Doesn’t work that way in the west.

As an immigrant , its better to listen to desis born in the west.

If you go to any nightclub or bar in any major cities of the UK you will find plenty with Pakistani backgrounds. This isnt the 60's, 3rd/4th generation kids are more western than most westerners.

Those who have kept their religion are a credit to their parents and stayed away from walking out of bars with urine running down their jeans and wont get some ugly woman pregnant when they are 16,.

 

[Kianig89]

Not only upper class , there is a specific segment in every class who according to their pocket size are drug addict.

Upper Class, Whisky, Cocaine, ice,

Middle class, Charas , vodka , seesha

Lower class, powder , Shopper , tharra,

 

[Farhan The Man]

I have seen hijabi ladies work in Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s in USA. They serve ham and pork in those places . Now obviously they might not consume it but it is called dignity of labor.

Yeah, I don't reckon this "dignity of labor" is supposed to work in this selective manner.

Else daariwaalas/hijabis can legitimately work in cocaine factories as long as they don't dip into the produce.

Nevertheless, empty stomach need filling. That's why iraqi/yemeni/syrian/afghani/lebanese "muslim" women flock to middle east as prostitutes. Now the palestini girls are also feeding into this supply.

 

[Local.Dada]

This is a myth.

Resident Pakistanis are far more open minded than most non resident Pakistanis.

Resident Pakistanis go there for work probably and a better life so they know the value of work and being in line. The ones living already there know all the loopholes to get money/benefits from govt without moving a muscle except for maybe prayers. Unemployment among Muslims especially the Pakistani variety is rampant in UK. Otherwise what explains so many protests for pointless things on working days.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Resident Pakistanis go there for work probably and a better life so they know the value of work and being in line. The ones living already there know all the loopholes to get money/benefits from govt without moving a muscle except for maybe prayers. Unemployment among Muslims especially the Pakistani variety is rampant in UK. Otherwise what explains so many protests for pointless things on working days.

The non resident Pakistanis are generally far more radicalized and they to pass off as Arabs with little success however as to regular Arabs they’re lower caste converts of the subcontinent.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Not only upper class , there is a specific segment in every class who according to their pocket size are drug addict.

Upper Class, Whisky, Cocaine, ice,

Middle class, Charas , vodka , seesha

Lower class, powder , Shopper , tharra,

Actually the difference of alcohol by class is based on brand rather than any specific type of alcohol.