Islamabad authorities have given a showcase notice to some well-known popular food brands that are running restaurants and hotel services without proper registration. The discovery has raised concerns about following the rules in the hospitality sector of the federal capital of the country.
According to officials from the Tourism Department, several unregistered restaurants and hotels have been given show-cause notices for not meeting legal requirements under the Pakistani law.
The named outlets include OPTP (One Potato Two Potato), Subway, and Yamto Arabic Mandi, which are operating in Sector PWD of Islamabad without the required registration.
All these food outlets are usually densely packed, being among the city’s most visited. Officials said that these businesses are breaking the Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Act 1976.
The act makes it necessary for all restaurants in the tourism and hospitality sector to be officially registered. The Tourism Department has asked these businesses to submit written explanations within 15 days.
If they fail to do so, they may face a fine of up to Rs5,000, along with an extra daily fine of Rs1,000 if the violation continues.
Officials also shared that these businesses had already been warned earlier to complete their registration. However, they did not comply with it. This has led to the issuance of formal notices.
Authorities stressed that registration is compulsory for all such businesses and said that major brands not following the rules show a careless attitude toward legal responsibilities.
This action is part of Islamabad’s efforts to better regulate its growing food and hospitality sector to make sure of safety, proper taxation, and standard services.
Islamabad Food Authority cracks down
The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) previously also conducted a strict crackdown against unregistered food outlets and restaurants.
Deputy Director of the Food Authority, Dr Tahira Siddique, earlier insisted that all food points and restaurants in the federal capital complete their registration by November 30 to avoid legal action, closure, and heavy fines.
The food outlet registration campaign was initiated to ensure that food safety is enhanced and also to enhance the health system of the city.
