Karachi restaurant issues clarification over alleged discrimination against shalwar kameez

Following a citizen’s lawsuit against a private restaurant in Karachi for allegedly denying him entry due to wearing shalwar kameez, the restaurant management has issued a formal statement addressing the controversy.

In the statement, the management rejected the claims made by lawyer Latif Baloch, calling them "baseless and false." They clarified that no guest was ever refused entry or asked to leave based on their attire.

'The restraunt has no dress code policy whatsoever,” the statement read, “Customers from all walks of life visit our restaurant daily wearing traditional clothing such as shalwar kameez as well as other attire, and are treated with complete dignity and respect.”

The management further stated that a one-sided narrative was circulated on social media. They maintained that if the guest had a genuine complaint, he should have approached the restaurant directly.

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The restaurant also said it has not received any formal complaint from the individual concerned.

Additionally, the management announced that an internal investigation has been initiated, and appropriate action will be taken if any wrongdoing is found.

A citizen filed a petition in the Consumer Court challenging a restaurant’s alleged ban on customers wearing shalwar kameez at its outlet in Karachi’s Defence Phase 8.

According to the petitioner, Advocate Latif Baloch, he visited the restaurant with friends but was denied entry solely because he was dressed in shalwar kameez.

The restaurant staff reportedly informed him that traditional attire was not permitted inside the premises and asked him to leave.

In his petition, Baloch argued that shalwar kameez is Pakistan’s national dress and that banning it is discriminatory and unjustified.

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He requested the court to take action against the restaurant management, direct them to issue a public apology, and impose a fine of Rs1 million for the humiliation caused.

The Consumer Court has scheduled a hearing of the case for July 14.