DHAKA: 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, reports NDTV.

BDST: 1655 HRS, JAN 07, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor