Islamabad’s restaurants allowed outdoor dining after protests
ISLAMABAD: The district administration in Islamabad has allowed the restaurants to serve food outdoors on weekends after 10PM amid intense protests by restaurants owners.
The decision came after intense negotiations between the officials of the Capital Administration and the representatives of the Islamabad Restaurants Association (IRA). The Islamabad Administration also withdrew its earlier decision of complete close down of restaurants on Fridays and Sundays.
On March 24, the capital administration 24 has prohibited serving food (indoor and outdoor) by restaurants on Fridays and Sundays. However, the decision has been withdraw after the successful negotiations.
A large number of restaurant owners, managers, workers and other people linked to the food industry holding a peaceful protest outside the Kohsar Market of Islamabad demanding lifting of ban on serving outdoor food beyond 10PM.
They chanting slogans drawing the authorities’ attention towards the impact of such decisions. They also displayed banned calling for protection against the coronavirus and hunger.
Police authorities were forced to place barbed wires after the protesters reached Ayub Chowk as authorities prevented them from reaching D-Chowk.
Mazhar Allah Yar, who was leading the protesters said the capital administration has understood that it was no use closing down the restaurants.
He said they have agreed to run the business this Sunday (today) and the restrictions would now come into effect from April 6. He hoped that they will follow new SOPs as the Ramazan will be around the corner.
