General News: Act of Honesty by Serena Hotel Employee Applauded by Governor

Lahore, Pakistan, 27 July 2010 - The Governor of Punjab, His Excellency Salman Taseer, gave an award and cash prize to Essa Khan of the Gilgit Serena Hotel for returning US$ 50,000 to a hotel guest. The Governor held a ceremony at the Governor’s House to honour this act of honesty and integrity. The Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan, His Excellency Syed Mehdi Shah, was also present at the occasion.

Essa Khan, 51 years of age, works as an Assistant Housekeeper at the Serena Hotel in Gilgit. He found US$ 50,000 in a room vacated by a Japanese worker who had been staying at the Hotel. He immediately informed the General Manager who then got in touch with the guest. The Management handed over the US$ 50,000 to the guest, who expressed his appreciation for the act of honesty shown by Essa Khan.

At the award ceremony, the Governor lauded Essa Khan, saying his honesty had earned fame for Pakistan throughout the world. The Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan also said that he was proud to live in a land of brave and honest people. Essa Khan's story has appeared in numerous newspapers throughout the world.

Mr. Khan, who earns about Rs 21,000 a month, says he never considered keeping the money. “My duty to the hotel and my family upbringing teaches me nothing else,” he said. “Times are hard for everyone, but that doesn’t mean we should start stealing and taking things which do not belong to us.”

In recognition of Essa Khan’s act of honesty, integrity and strong ethical behaviour, Serena Hotels announced a cash award of Rs.100,000 for Mr. Khan. Serena Hotels will also be covering his children’s education expenses.

Serena’s Honesty award, given to honest employees all across Serena Hotels, has now been named the “Essa Khan Award for Honesty”.

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