A controversial statement by Pakistani-American businessman Sajid Tarar has stirred conversation on social media, after he claimed that legalizing and taxing alcohol in Pakistan could help the country repay its multi-billion dollar loan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In a viral video circulating on X (formerly Twitter), Tarar stated that “most people in Pakistan drink alcohol” anyway, and argued that if the government legalized and properly taxed it, the resulting revenue could be enough to cover the IMF’s loan.
While the claim is widely regarded as an exaggeration, it has nonetheless caught the attention of netizens, with many responding with a mix of humor, criticism, and curiosity. The proposal has no realistic chance of being implemented, given Pakistan’s deep-rooted religious and cultural stance against alcohol consumption.
Sajid Tarar, known for founding “American Muslims for Trump,” is no stranger to controversial statements. His remarks this time have triggered debate not just about public policy, but also about economic desperation and alternative revenue ideas in a cash-strapped Pakistan.
The backdrop of his statement is serious: Pakistan recently entered its 24th bailout program with the IMF, securing around $7 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The country remains one of the top debtors to the IMF globally.
While Tarar’s comments may have been made to provoke discussion or amusement, they have inadvertently highlighted the urgent need for innovative — and realistic — fiscal solutions to help Pakistan stabilize its economy.
