The unexpected closure of a well-known restaurant in Pakistan has left its employees devastated, with some collapsing and others tearing up after receiving termination letters from management.
Local reports indicate that on June 11, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the shutdown of Monal, a popular restaurant located in Islamabad. This closure was part of a broader ruling that mandated the shutdown of all eateries within Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park.
Following the court’s decision, Monal announced it would cease operations by September 11, 2024. In a Facebook post, the restaurant expressed its gratitude for the years of service, stating, “Since 2006, it was an absolute pleasure for the Monal family to serve and showcase a positive image of Pakistan and its beautiful people. This journey was full of success stories and emotions for the team affiliated with us, but now it’s time to say goodbye.”
The closure is expected to leave over 700 employees without jobs. A viral video shows the emotional reaction of the staff, including one employee who fainted upon receiving the termination news, while others were seen wiping away tears as they held their dismissal letters.
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Monal’s owner, Luqman Ali Afzal, penned a farewell letter to his staff, acknowledging the harsh reality of unemployment. He wrote, “I wish I could provide jobs for everyone overnight, but given the current financial crisis, the group can’t reassign you to other projects. Please accept this as a decision made by divine will and begin searching for alternative employment.”
The plight of the laid-off employees has resonated deeply with social media users. One commenter on the viral video noted, “He fainted because he is thinking about his responsibilities towards his family.” Another user expressed sympathy, saying, “I pray they find better jobs to sustain themselves.”