Nationwide protests targeting KFC branches in Pakistan turned deadly this week, as public anger over the Gaza conflict escalated into violence. The KFC protests Pakistan movement has seen widespread unrest, resulting in dozens of arrests and the tragic death of a KFC employee in Sheikhupura.
Widespread Unrest
Over the past week, at least 20 attempted attacks on KFC outlets have been reported across major cities. The unrest stems from public outrage over the ongoing war in Gaza. Protesters claim that brands like KFC represent U.S. and Israeli interests, making them targets of boycotts and violence.
Police have been deployed outside KFC locations nationwide to prevent further attacks. In Karachi, two KFC outlets were set on fire. Social media videos show crowds wielding iron rods, storming outlets, and chanting anti-Israel slogans. In one clip, a protester shouted, “They are buying bullets with the money you make.”
A Tragic Casualty
The most serious incident occurred on April 14 in Sheikhupura, near Lahore. During one of the protests, 45-year-old KFC staff member Asif Nawaz was fatally shot while working in the kitchen. Regional Police Officer Athar Ismail confirmed Nawaz was hit in the shoulder by a bullet fired from over 100 feet away. The shot proved fatal after the bullet traveled into his chest. Authorities believe the shooting may have been accidental, and Nawaz was not the intended target. So far, 40 arrests have been made, but the main suspect remains at large.
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Government and Religious Leaders React
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry condemned the violence and clarified that many KFC vendors in Pakistan are locally owned. “The profits go to Pakistanis,” he stated, urging restraint and emphasizing that damaging such businesses harms the local economy more than foreign interests.
Prominent voices have echoed this call for peace. Influential Sunni scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani urged protesters to boycott responsibly. Speaking at the National Palestine Conference, he said, “Islam does not encourage harming others. Protests must be peaceful. Do not throw stones or risk lives.”
The hardline religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), known for its vocal stance on Islamic issues, also denied involvement in the attacks. TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan stated the party had not issued any directive to protest outside KFC, although it continues to urge a boycott of Israeli-linked products.
Broader Impact on Western Brands
This incident is part of a broader trend affecting Western companies in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries. Since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza conflict, brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks have faced boycotts and backlash. McDonald’s even announced plans to buy back its Israeli franchise due to declining sales.
Despite growing tensions and calls for boycotts, both Mufti Usmani and political leaders have emphasized the importance of non-violent resistance. As protests continue, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further escalation and protect lives and property.
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