Yasir Hussain Slams Discrimination Against National Dress in Elite Karachi Restaurant

In a powerful and emotional response, actor and director Yasir Hussain has slammed discrimination reportedly taking place at high end restaurants in Karachi, where customers in Pakistan’s national dress, shalwar kameez, are allegedly being denied service. The incident that sparked public outrage has once again opened debate on classism, cultural identity, and societal elitism.

A Viral Incident That Sparked Public Outrage

The controversy began when Advocate Abdul Latif shared his experience of being turned away from a fine-dining restaurant in Karachi simply because he was wearing shalwar kameez. According to Latif, the staff allegedly told him, “We don’t serve pendus,”a slang term often used to insult those from rural backgrounds or those considered “uncool.” This blatant disrespect prompted Latif to send a legal notice to the restaurant. With no response received, he has now taken the matter to the Consumer Court, seeking justice for what he believes is open discrimination.

Yasir Hussain Speaks Up for Cultural Identity

Yasir Hussain took to Instagram to express his frustration. In his story, he condemned the rising trend of disrespecting Pakistan’s traditional attire. He wrote, “There is increasing disrespect towards shalwar kameez. This drama has started in many clubs and fine-dining restaurants,” labeling such places as “Wannabe Angrez” a sharp criticism directed at establishments adopting colonial mindsets.

He further compared the disdain for traditional clothing to the neglect of the Urdu language, hinting at a growing cultural inferiority complex among certain segments of society.

Mishi Khan Joins the Protest

Veteran actor Mishi Khan also didn’t hold back. In a video posted on her Instagram, she passionately criticized the restaurant, saying, “Can you believe they called our national dress cheap?” She highlighted the irony of foreign influences on the local elite, questioning whether people now have to wear “bikinis or hot pants” to gain acceptance in such establishments. Khan vowed to reveal the restaurant’s name and hold it accountable.

Public Stands United Against Elitist Attitudes

The public reaction has been swift and loud. Social media platforms were flooded with support for Abdul Latif and calls to boycott the unnamed restaurant. Many users emphasized that such behavior reflects deep-rooted classism and a rejection of one’s own cultural heritage.

One user wrote, “Boycott these restaurants they will remember their place. Speak to them in their own language, and they’ll stay within their limits.” Others stressed the need to take a stand against this kind of discrimination, asserting that cultural pride should never be compromised for so-called “modern standards.”

A Broader Cultural Debate

This incident has sparked a much-needed conversation on the subtle ways in which cultural erosion happens when traditional clothing is mocked, when Urdu is sidelined, and when foreign standards of class are blindly adopted. It’s a reminder that respecting your roots is not just about wearing your national dress it’s about preserving your identity in every sphere of life.

As Yasir Hussain rightly pointed out, “If you can’t respect your own language and clothing, you’ve already lost.” His words resonate with a wider audience, especially in times when reclaiming and respecting one’s identity has become more important than ever.