Office-bearers of the Rawalpindi Restaurant Caterer, Sweet and Baker Association warned that around 80% of restaurant businesses in the city are facing severe distress due to low income, rising costs, strict sales tax requirements and government restrictions. Leaders urged authorities to extend dine in hours to midnight, saying the current 10 PM closure policy is causing substantial losses.
The core committee meeting was chaired by Patron-in-Chief Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem and attended by Chairman Mumtaz Ahmed and President Chaudhry Muhammad Farooq. Members present included Zahid Mahmood, Imtiaz Ahmed, Ali Muhammad, Sardar Ijaz Walayat, Sheikh Munir, Sheikh Irfan, Huzaifa Ansar, Naseem Khan, Nadeem Alam Kiyani and others who described the 10 PM limit as damaging for restaurants that already struggle with rising input costs and complex tax rules.
Participants reported that raids and uncoordinated enforcement actions have aggravated the situation and called for better communication between enforcement agencies and trader bodies to avoid unnecessary disruptions. President Muhammad Farooq Chaudhry emphasised the need for improved dialogue, while Mumtaz Ahmed urged unity and discipline among members and framed lawful earning as an act of worship.
The association said consultations with trader bodies across Punjab are ongoing to develop a joint strategy, and pledged a coordinated approach to prevent food wastage. Members approved awareness measures including installation of at least 10 banners and agreed to invite district administrators to the next meeting as part of direct engagement with higher authorities.
The meeting announced public programmes on May 9 and 10 titled Maarka-e-Haq, along with activities on June 5 for World Food Day and June 7 for Environment Day, signalling continued advocacy for extended dine in hours and relief measures for the sector.
