Arrests Made in Connection with KFC Attacks in Pakistan, Triggered by Protests over Gaza War
Fast Food Frenzy: KFC Riots in Pakistan, Unraveling the Mystery
In the heart of Pakistan, protests have erupted against the United States and its ally Israel, targeting none other than KFC outlets. Yet, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a religious political party, finds itself in the thick of it, with conflicting reports surrounding their role.
Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have borne witness to more than 10 attacks on KFC outlets, orchestrated by protesters armed with sticks, leaving 178 people in custody, officials said this week. Among the arrested, 11 individuals with TLP ties were detained in Lahore [2]. However, TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan vehemently denies the party has instigated any protests or attacks, claiming they only advocate boycotting Israeli products [2].
The latest incident happened in Lahore, where an unidentified gunman shot and killed a KFC employee, Asif Nawaz [1][2]. While the Lahore shooting remains under investigation for potential political motivations, the Nawaz murder highlights the rising risks for employees of the American fast-food chain.
In the city, police have beefed up security at 27 KFC outlets, following attacks and thwarted attempts [2][3]. Yet, the involvement of TLP in these incidents remains unclear, with authorities and the party offering conflicting accounts. While some arrests were linked to TLP members [2], reports indicate that an April 16 attack in Sheikhupura (near Lahore) specifically involved TLP activists who stormed a KFC, opened fire, and claimed a life [5].
KFC has long been a symbol of the United States in Pakistan and bears the brunt of anti-American sentiment during U.S.-Pakistan disputes. Western brands have faced boycotts and protests in recent months due to Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, the war has resulted in 51,000 Palestinians being killed, according to local health authorities [3].
The attacks on KFC have had adverse effects on Yum Brands, as one of its other brands, Pizza Hut, has faced prolonged repercussions from Israel's conflict with Gaza. In Pakistan, local brands have made inroads into the rapidly growing cola market, as some consumers eschew US brands [5]. As a result, Coca-Cola's market share in the Pakistani consumer sector dropped to 5.7% in 2023, down from 6.3% in 2022, while PepsiCo's share dwindled to 10.4% from 10.8% [5].
Earlier this month, religious clerics in Pakistan issued a call for a boycott of any products or brands that support Israel or the American economy, urging followers to remain peaceful and refrain from damaging property [5]. Despite the mounting tension, the true extent of TLP's involvement in the attacks on KFC remains questionable, with rogue actors potentially claiming affiliation with the party [2][5].
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Palestine has led to boycotts and protests against Western brands, including KFC, in Pakistan.
- Amid the recent unrest, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has found itself embroiled in confusion over whether they have instigated the attacks on KFC outlets.
- Since the incidents, authorities have confirmed the arrest of 11 individuals with TLP ties, although TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan denies any party involvement in the protests or attacks.
- After the shooting of a KFC employee in Lahore, security has been reinforced at numerous KFC outlets across the city to avoid further attacks or attempts.
- In the world of war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice, the involvement of TLP in the KFC attacks in Pakistan remains uncertain, with conflicting accounts adding to the mystery.
