ISLAMABAD: A delegation of restaurant and marriage hall owners called on National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Friday, apprising him of their economic losses due to continuous closure of their businesses.

“Hotels and marriage halls across the country have been closed for the past four months and the closure of this sector has caused severe economic hardship to owners as well as thousands of people associated with it,” they said.

They assured the speaker that all standard operating procedures (SOPs), issued by the health ministry, would be observed if the sector is opened and requested him to play his role in making it happen.

Mr Qaiser informed them that the government was seriously considering it.

“The implementation of smart lockdown has solved problems of workers and small businesses. The pandemic is a global issue that has affected the entire world’s economy, therefore the ban was imposed on all gatherings, not on hotels and other related businesses.

“The government is taking steps on a priority basis, to promote the tourism sector in collaboration with the provinces. We all know that Pakistan has rich natural beauty and there are ample opportunities for promotion of tourism; it will also help in job creation as well as earn valuable foreign exchange,” Mr Qaiser added.

He directed MNAs Malik Amir Dogar, Khurram Shehzad and Amjad Niazi to remain in contact with them and listen to their concerns.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2020