Pakistan is a Muslim nation that eschews the use of alcohol. You're not allowed to bring any in your suitcase. There is no alcohol in stores or restaurants. There are no bars other than coffee and tea shops. I did learn during my security briefing that there are a few expat-related private clubs where one can get a drink. I also learned that my hotel, unlike the guest house I used last time, does serve alcohol. On my second night here, I stopped by to ask about it.
When asked how he could help me, I asked the nice man behind the reception desk: "do you have a bar?" He looked exactly like someone would have looked at the DC Hilton if I'd loudly asked at the front desk "so, do you have porno movies on the TV in my room?" He tilted his head towards me, eyes shifting from side to side to see who heard and who might be listening. He replied, barely above a whisper "No, sir. Hard beverages are available only from room service."
While looking for the room service menu that night I also found the "cocktail menu" that had as its first line "available to non-muslim foreigners only." Since I fit both criteria, I ordered a bottle of beer with my Palak Paneer. The bill for the beer came separately. The waiter acted sheepish and put the bottle on my table like it was radio-active. Then he produced a large ledger on which I had to write my room number, name, passport number, and nationality, before signing. (It did not ask my religion.) He noted the name of the local beer I ordered on the last line.
I hear that one can buy an AK-47 easily, almost anywhere.
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