Is Alcohol legal in Pakistan?
- Legal status
- Prohibited for Muslims / permit for non-Muslims — alcohol (ethanol) is banned for the Muslim majority under the 1977 Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order; non-Muslims and foreigners may obtain it by permit.
- Consequences if caught
- Muslims consuming or possessing alcohol face criminal penalties including imprisonment and, in law, flogging; non-Muslims are limited to permitted quantities.
- If prescribed or medical
- n/a — a beverage, not a medicine.
- Documentation
- Non-Muslim residents buy from a handful of licensed outlets on a monthly permit; foreigners may purchase at licensed hotel outlets; availability is limited and stigmatised.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Pakistan’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →