Over 170 arrested for attacks on Pakistan KFC outlets in Gaza war protests

Authorities in Pakistan have detained numerous individuals in recent weeks following over 10 mob assaults on locations of the U.S. fast-food franchise KFC, triggered by anti-American sentiment and resistance to its ally Israel’s conflict in Gaza, officials reported.

Authorities in significant urban areas of the Islamic country, such as the southern coastal city of Karachi, the eastern metropolis of Lahore, and the capital Islamabad, reported at least 11 occurrences where KFC locations were assaulted by demonstrators wielding sticks and damaged. Officials mentioned this week that at least 178 individuals were detained.

KFC and its parent company, Yum Brands, both based in the U.S., did not reply to requests for comments.

A law enforcement officer, who requested to remain unnamed, reported that an employee of KFC was shot and killed this week at a location on the outskirts of Lahore by unidentified assailants. The official stated that there was no protest occurring at that time and they were looking into whether the murder was driven by political feelings or another motive.

In Lahore, authorities reported that they are enhancing security measures at 27 KFC locations throughout the city following two attacks and the prevention of five others.

“We are investigating the role of different individuals and groups in these attacks,” said Faisal Kamran, a senior Lahore police officer, adding that 11 people, including a member of the Islamist religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), were arrested in the city. He added the protests were not officially organised by TLP.

TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan said the group “has urged Muslims to boycott Israeli products, but it has not given any call for protest outside KFC”.

“If any other person claiming to be a TLP leader or activist has indulged in such activity, it should be taken as his personal act which has nothing to do with the party’s policy,” said Khan.

KFC has been regarded as a representation of the United States in Pakistan for quite some time and has faced significant anti-American sentiment in recent years, experiencing protests and attacks. In recent months, Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip have led to boycotts and various protests against Western brands in Pakistan and other predominantly Muslim nations.