PESHAWAR: Around 20 restaurant owners have announced they'll close their outlets to express solidarity with the owners of the Swan Restaurant.

Friday's attack caused injuries to around 15 people, while causing major damage to the restaurant building. This is the first time that the hotels and restaurants are observing strike against the deteriorating law and order situation in Peshawar.

Along with restaurants, most of the marriage halls have also been closed down except one, which was already booked by clients.

However, some international food chains have not closed their outlets but are taking extra security measures.

Owners of these restaurants say they would extend their protest if the provincial government failed to provide sufficient security. They said the protest will be extended to other cities in order to persuade the government to take effective security measures.

The restaurant business in Peshawar was already suffering due to violence in the city.