Yak Grill in Gilgit has shared a post on their Instagram page revealing that their eatery had been sealed by Assistant Comissioner Gojal, Rao Rafy Afzal, because they had refused to give the administration a discount.
In the caption, the owners revealed that they would be challenging this order in court and called out the AC for the corrupt practice.
“AC Gojal Rao Rafy Afzal has illegally sealed Yakgrill restaurant in Passu, Gojal, Hunza due to the restaurant not providing discounts to the administration.
He made electric heaters in the restaurant a base and sealed the restaurant. The right to operate a business and offer services is protected under the law, and it is important that these rights are upheld and respected.
We will challenge this in court to restore our operation as soon as possible.
Our restaurant will remain close till further notice .”
In a video that is currently circulating on Twitter, AC Afzal can be seen in an argument with the owners.
The Current reached out to AC Afzal who explained that the restaurant had broken Section 144, which is a law pertaining to using electric heaters. Upon inspection, the team had found electric heaters in use and thus gave orders to shut down the place.
“The owners are spreading propaganda to hide the truth. We had imposed Section 144 CrPC on the use of electric heaters. On spot checking and inspection they were found using them. Thus, orders were given to seal the restaurant and to confiscate the heaters. Upon which the owner and his team used threatening and offensive language. They came up with this fake story to cover up. The owner is being prosecuted against under PPC for relevant offences.”
On whether this Section has been imposed before on other restaurants before and why was this the issue to focus on, the AC responded that it was due to the electricity shortage problem which is why it was emphasized on.
“This is enforced all over Gojal. There is shortage of electricity in Gojal. Which is why this was imposed.”
Regarding whether Yak Grill and its owners were given a prior warning about their use of electric heaters before being sealed, the AC responded with:
“The administration issues a notification/ order under Sec 144 CrPC which is displayed on social media and showcased at different places also. Individuals/ hotels/ restaurants can’t be sent such an order individually as it’s administratively impossible.
It’s an open truth. Spot checking is done afterwards and legal action is taken. The notification/ order was passed on November 28th which has validity of 90 days.”
