Karachi Darbar founder Haji Farooq passes away

DUBAI: The founder of Karachi Darbar, popular Pakistani chain of restaurants, Haji Mohammad Farooq, passed away on Friday, his family said.

Haji Farooq, 70, died days before the scheduled opening of his 29th restaurant on December 02.

To mourn the death of Haji Farooq, also a philanthropist, Karachi Darbar restaurants will be closed for two days.

Haji Farooq was a kidney patient and on Friday he complained of leg pain. He was shifted to hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

He has left behind his wife, a son and five daughters.

Ayaz, son of Haji Farooq said his father had a peaceful death.

Ayaz said, “My father went to office even a day before his death. He was fine on Friday until he suddenly complained of pain in the leg and we rushed him to hospital.”

“We never realised he would leave us so suddenly. The doctors tried their best and after having tried for one hour to revive him they declared him dead.”

Karachi Darbar restaurants employ over 1,300 staff members and cook more than 100,000 meals per day.