KARACHI: As the debate over the reasons for the closure of Agha’s Supermarket continues, the heirs of one of the partners, late Feroz Virani, have refuted the statement of the other partner Farid Virani, saying there was no question of permanently shutting down the iconic store.

Farid Virani had said, while talking to Dawn, that “between the fire [at the store] and Covid-19, along with a family dispute, we have been unable to reopen.”

The legal heirs of Feroz Virani of Agha’s Supermarket have not given permission for closure of the supermarket, while adding that “various cases are pending in the Honourable High Court of Sindh at Karachi where the matter is sub-judice and pending adjudication.”

The heirs add that the article in question, published on these pages, “presents a one-sided view of Mr Farid Virani, who incorrectly presents himself as the sole owner of Agha’s Supermarket.”

A statement issued by the heirs says “that the immoveable properties used by Agha’s Supermarket are personal properties and Mr. Feroz Virani was a legal and beneficial owner to the extent of 1/3rd / 33% undivided share in respect of the same. Therefore, it is incorrect to suggest that there is only one owner of Agha’s Supermarket.

“Following the death of Mr. Anwar Ali Virani (Partner) on 03.03.2020, business continued as usual. Following the fire on 28.06.2020 and even after the death of Mr. Feroz Virani (Partner) on 04.09.2020, the business activities of Agha’s Supermarket continued.

“It was on 01.01.2021 that Mr. Farid Virani instructed for changing of the locks and closure of the shop and warehouses of Agha’s Supermarket.

“The rumours circulating on social media platforms that Agha’s Supermarket has moved to another area are incorrect.

“Many of the employees of Agha’s Supermarket found it difficult to find work elsewhere, especially the older employees, who contacted the legal heirs of Mr. Feroz Virani regarding the same.

“The legal heirs of Mr. Feroz Virani of Agha’s Supermarket clarify that they want to continue to run the business for the benefit of the public and honour the memory of Mr. Feroz Virani and the legacy he left behind and assure the public that they are doing all they can to resolve matters concerning Agha’s Supermarket,” the statement concludes.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2021