Police have detained a significant number of people across Pakistan in recent weeks following over 10 mob attacks targeting outlets of the American fast-food chain KFC. These incidents were triggered by anti-United States sentiment and opposition to its ally Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, according to officials.
Police in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have confirmed at least 11 incidents where KFC locations were attacked and vandalized by protesters wielding sticks. Officials reported this week that at least 178 individuals have been arrested in connection with these attacks.
KFC and its US-based parent company, Yum Brands, have not responded to requests for comment on the situation.
An anonymous police official reported that a KFC employee was fatally shot this week in a store in Sheikhupura by unidentified gunmen. The official clarified that no protest was occurring at the time of the shooting, and they are currently investigating whether the killing was motivated by political reasons or some other factor.
In Lahore, police stated they have increased security measures at 27 KFC outlets throughout the city after two attacks occurred and five others were prevented.
“We are investigating the role of various individuals and groups in these attacks,” stated Faisal Kamran, a senior police officer in Lahore, adding that 11 people, including a member of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), have been arrested in the city. He also noted that the protests were not officially organized by the TLP.
TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan stated that while the group “has urged Muslims to boycott Israeli products, it has not issued any call for protests outside KFC outlets.”
“If any other person claiming to be a TLP leader or activist has engaged in such activity, it should be considered their personal action and has no connection to the party’s official policy,” Khan clarified.
KFC has long been seen as a symbol of the United States in Pakistan and has frequently faced the brunt of anti-American sentiment in past decades through protests and attacks.
Western brands in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries have experienced boycotts and other forms of protests in recent months as a response to Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The conflict in Gaza was initiated by the Palestinian group Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages taken to Gaza, according to Israeli figures. Since then, over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to local health authorities.
Yum Brands has previously stated that another of its brands, Pizza Hut, has faced a prolonged negative impact from boycotts related to Israel’s war in Gaza.
In Pakistan, local beverage brands have been gaining ground in the rapidly expanding cola market as some consumers are avoiding American brands. According to GlobalData, Coca-Cola’s market share in Pakistan’s consumer sector decreased to 5.7% in 2023 from 6.3% in 2022, while PepsiCo’s fell to 10.4% from 10.8%.
Earlier this month, religious clerics in Pakistan called for a boycott of any products or brands perceived to support Israel or the American economy, but they urged people to remain peaceful and avoid damaging property.
