DNA
Murree, July 20: In a warm and celebratory gathering that blended gourmet cuisine with the breathtaking beauty of Murree, Chairman of the Monal Group, Luqman Ali Afzal, hosted a special lunch in honour of Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, the newly appointed National Coordinator of the Prime Minister on Tourism. The event, held at the newly inaugurated Monal Restaurant in Murree, was attended by a galaxy of distinguished guests, comprising leading business personalities, social figures and officials from the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, a renowned name in Pakistan’s business landscape and currently the CEO of the Centaurus Group, was recently entrusted with a critical role in shaping and promoting the tourism vision of Pakistan. With his entrepreneurial acumen and deep understanding of the country’s tourism and hospitality landscape, the appointment has been widely welcomed by the industry.
The Monal Restaurant in Murree, an extension of the famed Monal brand known for its scenic dining locations and rich culinary offerings, provided the perfect venue for the afternoon. Surrounded by panoramic views of Murree’s rolling hills and pine forests, the guests savoured a carefully curated spread of Monal’s signature dishes, known for their fusion of traditional Pakistani flavours with modern presentation.
In his welcome address, Luqman Ali Afzal extended heartfelt congratulations to Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan on his new role and lauded his contributions to Islamabad’s economic and commercial development. “Sardar Yasir is not just a businessman; he is a visionary leader who understands the pulse of tourism and hospitality,” Luqman remarked. “We are confident that under his guidance, Pakistan’s tourism sector will experience a significant uplift. At Monal, we have always strived to meet the highest standards of quality, taste, and service. Our mission has been to promote not only food excellence but also the beauty and culture of Pakistan, and we look forward to working with like-minded individuals and institutions to further that goal.”
Luqman also noted that the Monal Group is committed to expanding its footprint in Pakistan’s scenic destinations, thus offering both local and international tourists a chance to experience the country’s unmatched natural and culinary offerings. He emphasized that the group’s success lies in its dedication to customer satisfaction and innovation in hospitality.
Taking the podium, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan thanked the Monal Group for their gracious hospitality and congratulated them on the successful launch of their new Murree location. He praised Monal’s role in uplifting the hospitality standards in Pakistan, saying, “Monal has not only set new benchmarks for quality and service in the food industry but has also played a significant role in promoting tourism through its strategically located restaurants. It is businesses like Monal that showcase the best of Pakistan’s culinary and natural charm to both local and international visitors.”
He went on to share his vision for Pakistan’s tourism development, stating, “Our country is blessed with a vast array of tourist attractions—from the majestic mountains of the north to the historical sites in the south. What we need now is a collaborative push from the public and private sectors to unlock this potential. As aide to the Prime Minister on Tourism, I am fully committed to implementing policies and initiatives that will create enabling environments for tourism investors and entrepreneurs.”
Sardar Yasir further stated that ease of access, digital promotion, international collaboration, and quality hospitality services will be among his key focus areas. “We want to ensure that tourists—domestic or foreign—have a memorable and comfortable experience in Pakistan. We will explore all opportunities to showcase the hidden gems of our country to the world.”
The lunch was not only a celebration of a new chapter in tourism leadership but also a reflection of how the private sector, led by pioneers like the Monal Group, can play a central role in reshaping Pakistan’s global image as a premier tourist destination.
