The Pakistani government on Saturday revealed that at least 20 American fast-food outlets across the country were attacked by religious extremists this month during ongoing anti-Israel demonstrations.
Among the incidents, one employee at a KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) outlet lost his life, and nearly 160 suspects have been arrested. Most of the attacks allegedly involved members of the hardline Islamist party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Pak Minister says Government committed to protect foreign businesses
Speaking at a press conference, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Tallal Chaudhry, assured the public that the government is committed to protecting both local and foreign-owned businesses. “Whether it is a Pakistani business or a foreign investor, their lives and properties will be safeguarded,” he said, warning of strict action against those involved in such violence.
However, Chaudhry appeared to distance the TLP leadership from the violence, suggesting that party members involved may have acted independently. “No political party, including religio-political groups, has officially supported these acts. They have all dissociated themselves from the attacks,” he claimed.
The minister added that the suspects admitted to their involvement and showed remorse in recorded video confessions.
He further clarified that KFC in Pakistan is owned and operated by local stakeholders. “The franchise is managed by Pakistani nationals, sources its supplies locally, and its profits remain in Pakistan. Over 25,000 families rely directly or indirectly on this business for their livelihood,” Chaudhry emphasized. He also pointed out that international food chains like KFC fully comply with tax laws, unlike some local eateries.
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Pakistani Islamic Scholar calls for peaceful approach
Earlier, on April 10, sustained attacks on American fast-food chains had prompted senior Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, head of the influential Wifaq-ul-Madaris, to urge a peaceful approach. He called for a complete boycott of Israel, but stressed that harming people or property violates Sharia law.
The statement came during the National Palestine Conference in Islamabad, attended by scholars from various Islamic sects, all united in condemning the ongoing violence in Gaza and Palestine.
