Karachi Hotel Faces Legal Action for Not Allowing Shalwar Kameez
Karachi Hotel Lands in Legal Trouble for Allegedly Banning Shalwar Kameez – Rs10 Million Lawsuit Filed
A consumer protection court in Karachi South has taken up a high-profile case involving a private hotel accused of refusing service to a guest for wearing the traditional shalwar kameez.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, legal counsel for the hotel appeared before the court and submitted a counter-petition, requesting that the case be dismissed on grounds of inadmissibility.
The court, however, has scheduled the next hearing for August 11 and has directed both parties to present their full arguments.
Barrister Haseeb Jamali, representing the complainant, criticized the hotel’s response to the incident. He pointed out that rather than expressing regret, the hotel management chose to challenge the complaint. Jamali stated that while businesses have a legal right to defend themselves, banning a guest based on their national dress is both regrettable and discriminatory.
The petitioner, Advocate Latif Baloch, confirmed that a detailed response would be submitted during the upcoming hearing. He emphasized that the issue is not just a personal grievance, but a matter of national dignity, as shalwar kameez is widely recognized as Pakistan’s traditional and cultural attire.
The legal petition seeks a formal apology from the hotel along with Rs10 million in damages. According to Baloch, he was asked to leave the hotel premises solely because he was wearing shalwar kameez, a move he claims is both insulting and unlawful.
