Islamabad: A French restaurant, running in a posh locality in Islamabad, was raided and shut down by police following a public outcry over its policy of not allowing Pakistanis in.
'La Maison', running out of Islamabad's F7-1, was not allowing Pakistanis in, citing the French style of cooking that uses wine.
Also, the food was not halal and even pork was served.
The controversial policy had led to a storm on various social media networks, with many comparing the policy to apartheid and the infamous colonial boards outside clubs in India during British rule.
The momentum against the restaurant was started by Cyril Almeida, senior journalist working with a leading Pakistani daily, who launched a Twitter war against the restaurant.
The restaurant-owner Philippe Lafforgue wrote to him, claiming he is changing his policy.
Lafforgue, however, continued to bar Pakistanis.
"What can I do? I am just trying to respect the local culture. Pakistanis with dual nationality are allowed," Lafforgue had said prior to the raid.
"But after consulting the authorities, my advisor and my partner, I am telling you it is impossible to open a place to the public when we serve non-halal food. I cannot change the recipes of French food," he had said in a letter.
"So we will stand by our policies. Everybody is welcome, even Pakistani people with a dual nationality. I don't want to hurt the sensitivities of Muslim people."
He said he had "just opened this place to give to the people an authentic French cuisine... And it is not compatible with the faith of the people here. So it will remain private".
This is not the first such incident in Islamabad. In 2009, another French restaurant 'The Cordon Rouge' hung a "foreigners only" sign, which was later removed after protests.
According to police sources, they recovered huge quantity of illegal liquor from 'La Maison'. The raid was carried out by the police with TV camera crews in tow.
The small restaurant running out of Lafforgue's house, was a hit with the expats. One had to make prior booking, giving international passport details.
'La Maison' was similar to the New York-style "secret restaurants" that operate in the federal capital.
'La Maison', running out of Islamabad's F7-1, was not allowing Pakistanis in, citing the French style of cooking that uses wine.
Also, the food was not halal and even pork was served.
The momentum against the restaurant was started by Cyril Almeida, senior journalist working with a leading Pakistani daily, who launched a Twitter war against the restaurant.
Advertisement
Lafforgue, however, continued to bar Pakistanis.
Advertisement
"But after consulting the authorities, my advisor and my partner, I am telling you it is impossible to open a place to the public when we serve non-halal food. I cannot change the recipes of French food," he had said in a letter.
Advertisement
He said he had "just opened this place to give to the people an authentic French cuisine... And it is not compatible with the faith of the people here. So it will remain private".
Advertisement
According to police sources, they recovered huge quantity of illegal liquor from 'La Maison'. The raid was carried out by the police with TV camera crews in tow.
Advertisement
'La Maison' was similar to the New York-style "secret restaurants" that operate in the federal capital.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Collagen Coffee, Pasta, Toast... Sonam Kapoor Reveals What She Eats In A Day Is Your Healthy Snack Really Healthy? Here're Warning Signs You Must Consider X User Compares Restaurant Bill With Zomato Prices, Company Responds UP BJP Rejig Soon? State Chief Offers To Quit Over Poll Drubbing: Sources UP Banker Dies By Suicide After 6 Months Of Bullying, Body-Shaming "I Divorce You... Your Ex-Wife": Dubai Princess Dumps Husband In Insta Post "Relocate To Vizag": Andhra Minister To IT Firms Amid Karnataka Quota Row MAT August 2024: Registrations Underway For Management Aptitude Test Government Should Rationalise Customs Duty In Budget: Chamber Of Commerce Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.