Over 170 Arrested in Connection with KFC Outlet Attacks During Gaza War Protests in Pakistan
In recent weeks, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in unrest linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with close to 200 individuals apprehended for their involvement in protests against the American fast-food chain KFC. These demonstrations reflect a growing sentiment among segments of the population, who associate the brand with U.S. support for Israel amid the escalating situation in Gaza.
Authorities reported that at least 178 arrests have been made following more than ten distinct incidents where KFC outlets in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, were targeted. Protesters armed with sticks vandalized several restaurants, highlighting the emotional fervor surrounding the issue. Tragically, during one incident, a KFC employee was shot dead near Lahore, prompting police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, although no protests were reportedly occurring at that time.
To ensure public safety, law enforcement in Lahore has increased security measures across 27 KFC outlets following two violent incidents, with five additional attacks successfully thwarted. Faisal Kamran, a senior police official, indicated ongoing investigations into various groups and individuals associated with these attacks. Although members of the Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have been implicated, the party itself has clarified that they have not organized protests targeting KFC specifically. TLP spokesperson Rehan Mohsin Khan emphasized that while the party promotes a boycott of Israeli products, any disruptive actions by individuals claiming affiliation with TLP do not reflect the party’s official stance.
The protests in Pakistan are part of a broader narrative affecting Western brands across various Muslim-majority countries in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This backlash against brands like KFC and others, including McDonald’s and Unilever, indicates a significant geopolitical unease that resonates with consumers in the region. For instance, McDonald’s reported much slowlier sales growth in recent quarters, attributing the decline partially to boycott campaigns in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The situation is further exacerbated by the extensive human toll in Gaza, where reports indicate over 51,900 fatalities since the start of the conflict, which began 18 months ago. In Israel, the toll includes over 1,139 lives lost during the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023, along with more than 200 individuals taken captive.
As of now, KFC and its parent company, Yum Brands, have not publicly commented on the ongoing disturbances in Pakistan. The company’s future in the region may be contingent upon how they address the profound sentiments surrounding the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
#PoliticsNews #MiddleEastNews
