Restaurant owners and workers in Rawalpindi have appealed to the government to restore restaurant operating hours until 1:00 AM, saying the current restrictions are putting millions of livelihoods at risk and deepening pressure on Pakistan’s food sector.
In a joint statement, President of the Restaurants, Caterers, Sweets & Bakers Association Pakistan Muhammad Farooq Chaudhry, along with Chairman Mumtaz Ahmed and Patron-in-Chief Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem, said the limited timings are hurting not only business owners but also waiters, chefs, kitchen staff, delivery workers, cleaners and thousands of students who depend on restaurant work to meet education and household expenses.
They said takeaway sales alone cannot keep the industry afloat, especially in a country where traditional Pakistani food is strongly tied to dine-in culture. The association noted that during the summer months, most restaurant business happens later in the evening, making shorter hours even more damaging for sales and staff income.
Mumtaz Ahmed said reduced business hours are sharply cutting revenues and creating uncertainty for working students and their families. Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem added that the food industry is still recovering from the financial losses and debts it faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and warned that continued restrictions could force more businesses to shut down.
The association also cautioned that closures would increase unemployment, weaken investment and reduce tax collection at a time when the economy can least afford fresh pressure. It urged the government to consider seasonal conditions and ground realities before making decisions that affect thousands of families across the restaurant supply chain.
Calling for immediate relief, the association said restoring restaurant operating hours until 1:00 AM would help protect jobs, support small businesses and keep kitchen operations running for people earning a dignified livelihood.
