Opening of the McDonald’s in Quetta signifies the improving situation of Quetta city
QUETTA (Pakistan) – McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in Pakistan’s western city of Quetta in Millennium Mall, the reputed home of the fearsome militant group’s ruling council.
The burger and fast food chain linked Quetta 17 years after McDonald’s first restaurant opened its door to the people of Pakistan in September 1998 in Lahore.
A regional branch of McDonald’s was inaugurated the other day by Director McDonald’s Jameel Mughal amidst a colourful ceremony enjoyed by a number of families and particularly the children.
Salman Jameel said that opening of the McDonald’s indicates that the situation has improved in Quetta.
He said that such restaurants should be opened in Quetta so that the masses are given an opportunity to enjoy good food which they would enjoy in other cities.
McDonald’s Country Operation Manager Tariq Butt, Brand Extension Consultant Saad Azhar Khan, Operation Consultant Abdul Nasir, Quetta Resturant Manager Umair Riaz and Salman Jameel, owner of the Millennium Mall were also present in the ceremony.
Dr. Irfan Tareen, a local skin specialist, said that McDonald’s was a “good” addition to Quetta’s culinary scene.
But on the other side Taliban condemn Quetta’s first McDonalds, saying: ‘We know it’s an American food company and our religious scholars have forbidden us from consuming any Western food and beverages.’
Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said, ‘Yes, I know McDonald’s and its food but we will never eat it. We don’t even consider it as a food. This isn’t our food … We live in the rough, tough mountainous areas and need energy and power to fight against the enemy.’