KARACHI: Restaurant owners who won the Sindh Food Awards 2026 met Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi at Governor House on Thursday, where discussions focused on food safety, hygiene standards and the growth of the province’s restaurant industry.

The delegation was led by Syed Owais Naqvi. Governor Nihal Hashmi congratulated the award-winning restaurant owners and acknowledged the contribution of the food sector to Karachi’s economy, employment and hospitality culture.

During the meeting, the governor stressed that maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and public health across the food industry was a shared responsibility. He called for kitchen and food-service staff to strictly follow basic health and hygiene practices.

Governor stresses food safety and hygiene

Hashmi said restaurants should maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety without compromise.

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He urged restaurant owners and managers to ensure that kitchen staff and other employees comply with established hygiene requirements and health practices.

The governor said the quality of food services was directly linked to public health and that greater attention to cleanliness could help strengthen consumer confidence in the sector.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining professional standards as Pakistan’s food industry continues to expand.

Food industry contributes to Pakistan’s image

The governor described people associated with the food industry as ambassadors of Pakistan’s culture, traditions and hospitality.

He said the sector plays a role not only in serving consumers but also in promoting a positive image of the country through its food, hospitality and service standards.

Hashmi added that the expansion of the food industry could generate new employment opportunities and stimulate wider economic activity.

The restaurant sector, he said, had significant potential to contribute to economic growth if its challenges were addressed and its development was supported.

Restaurant owners seek industry status

Members of the delegation requested the governor’s support for granting restaurants formal industry status.

They said recognition of the sector as a proper industry could help address challenges faced by restaurant businesses and provide a stronger framework for future growth.

The participants also discussed issues confronting the food and restaurant sector and sought government assistance in resolving them.

Hashmi assured the delegation of his full cooperation in addressing the problems faced by the food industry and restaurants.

The meeting highlighted the growing importance of the restaurant sector to Karachi’s commercial landscape, while also placing renewed emphasis on hygiene, food safety and professional standards.