Two labourers inaugurate four-star restaurant, championing dignity for the working class

A cobbler, Shakeel Ahmad, and baker, Ahmad Din, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the first four-star hotel in Azad Kashmir

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MUZAFFARABAD:

In a heartwarming gesture that has stirred the community, two labourers were given the honour of inaugurating a newly launched four-star restaurant here on Thursday marking a symbolic step towards acknowledging the dignity and value of the working class in the society.

A cobbler Shakeel Ahmad and a baker Ahmad Din cut the ribbon among the hundreds of local businessmen opened the first four-star hotel at Upper Ada in the commercial nerve of the capital city of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

“People invite government officials and ministers to inaugurate the business centres but we have established this hotel to serve labour class people to get first class meals at special discount at any time,” said Syed Salahud-Din Andrabi the owner of the hotel.

Andrabi said though we all know that there is tension on the Line of Control (LoC) between Pakistan and India, but in AJK people do business in tourism and hotel industry from June to September.

Hotel and restaurant rooted in the spirit of inclusivity and cultural pride aims to challenge societal norms by offering due respect to those who form the backbone of daily life the labourers. The inauguration saw emotional scenes as the two men cut the ribbon amid applause from guests and dignitaries.

“This is our tribute to the unsung heroes of our society,” said the restaurant's founder Dr Haleem Khan. “By letting labourers lead this inauguration we want to set an example that every person deserves dignity regardless of their profession,” Khan added.

General manager of the hotel, Ahtisham Qurashi, said that the restaurant will serve authentic traditional Kashmiri cuisine, including the much-loved pink salt tea and the multi-layered ghee-rich bread known as “Bakarkhani”.

Qurashi emphasised that the menu reflects the cultural richness of Kashmir and the ambience is designed to evoke a sense of home and heritage.

The move has been widely appreciated by social activists and citizens alike, calling it a progressive and thoughtful initiative in a time when inclusivity is more important than ever.

Politicians, journalists, businessmen and members of civil society who were present during the inauguration appreciated the hotel management’s decision for inaugurating it by labourers to set a lovely example in the society that must be appreciated and encouraged in future.