Shakespearean dilemma: CDA bans, unbans restaurant

As many as 63 restaurants and cafés are operating in violation of the land use norms.

ISLAMABAD:

Not only in plays do we see dithering on part of characters, there are real life examples as well.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Friday in a statement claimed that it had sealed a French restaurant, La Maison, at Sector F-7 for violating the land use norms.

However soon after it back-tracked from its earlier stance saying “the authority raided the restaurant but found nothing in violation of the rules.”

According to the statement, the action was taken on the directions of the CDA member administration and supervised by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA).

Amer Ahmad Ali said a notice had been served, as the restaurant administration does not have a trade license required to operate the said business.

The CDA statement further read DMA raided the said restaurant, confiscated the boards and banners there and sealed the kitchen of the restaurant besides issuing notice to its administration to close down.

The restaurant started its operations at Marvi Road of sector F-7/1. It came into limelight after allegedly it banned entry of Pakistanis.

“Pakistani’s Not Allowed” read a plaque on a front wall of the restaurant that was pictured and published in the national media. After people on social media raised the issue, the restaurant administration reportedly removed it.

Reportedly restaurant requires customers to provide information such as an individual’s nationality and passport number. The only Pakistani customers reportedly allowed are dual-citizenship holders or Pakistanis accompanied by foreigners.

According to the CDA record, there are as many as 63 restaurants and cafés operating in the residential areas in violation of the land use norms. Alone at sector F-7, where La Maison is located, there are 10 other restaurants and cafés operating.

Similarly, some seven restaurants at Sector F-6, 11 at Sector F-8, 11 at Sector G-9 and one each at Sectors F-11, F-10, G-6, G-10, and G-11  are operating in the residential areas. While, there are also a number of restaurants at model villages of Islamabad.

Ali said action will be taken without any fear or favour against any restaurants or eateries operating in residential areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2014.