April 27, 2026 in Rawalpindi saw restaurant industry representatives warn of a deepening crisis and renew calls to extend dine-in hours to midnight to help struggling businesses recover.
The core committee of the Rawalpindi Restaurant Caterer, Sweet and Baker Association discussed the situation in a meeting chaired by Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem and attended by 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, Haji Abdullah, Haji Abdul Waheed, Sardar Mahmood Hussain, Faizan Zahid, Naveed Abbasi, Shakir Sharif, Chaudhry Sharafat, Muhammad Hafeez and others who voiced concern about current operating constraints.
Chaudhry Muhammad Farooq said roughly 80 percent of restaurant operations have been hit by low revenues, rising costs and strict sales tax requirements, and repeated the demand to extend dine-in hours as a practical step to boost income. Leaders described the 10 PM closure rule as particularly damaging for eateries that rely on late-evening trade.
Members also highlighted disruptions caused by enforcement raids and urged better coordination between authorities and trade bodies to prevent unnecessary closures. Improved communication was emphasized by President Muhammad Farooq Chaudhry while Mumtaz Ahmed called for unity and discipline among members, framing lawful earning as a respected pursuit.
The association announced outreach and awareness activities, scheduling a Maarka-e-Haq program on May 9 and 10 and observances on World Food Day, June 5, and Environment Day, June 7. Committees were directed to install at least 10 awareness banners and develop a joint approach to prevent food wastage. Participants agreed to invite district administrators to the next meeting and pursue direct engagement with higher authorities to seek policy relief and reconsideration of current dine-in hours restrictions.
