Association opposes sealing of hotels

Inter City Hotel Association President Sheikh Abdul Waheed has categorically announced that hotels in Rawalpindi will not be closed under any circumstances, saying that instead of shutting hotels, the police and district administration should fulfil their responsibilities.

He said the hotel industry had no connection with any political party, political activity or protest.

"We are neither part of any party, nor directly or indirectly affiliated with anyone, and nor do we support any political party," he said.

He said the sole purpose of the hotel industry was to do business and provide accommodation, food and other facilities to visitors coming to Rawalpindi from other cities.

Despite this, if there are talks of closing hotels from Sept 19, the question arises as to why hotels, guesthouses and business centres in places where protests are held and where their destination is Islamabad are not being closed.

"Why is the burden of business losses and difficulties always placed on Rawalpindi's traders?" he asked.

He said the association was ready to extend full cooperation to the government, police, district administration and all law-enforcement agencies.

If there were any legal or security concerns regarding an individual belonging to a political party, the association would support the administration in every lawful measure, including refusing to provide such a person a room at a hotel, but it was not prepared to shut down its businesses under any circumstances.

The president of the Inter City Hotel Association said closing hotels was not a solution to the problem and the administration should fulfil its responsibility.

He said all their hotels had a Hotel Eye system installed, which was connected to the Punjab IG, Special Branch and Rawalpindi Police Command and Control.