Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to protecting foreign investments, as Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on 19-04-25 condemned the recent attacks on international food chains, including KFC, across the country.

Speaking at a press conference, Chaudhry said the government would take strict action against those involved in the violence.

He confirmed that 20 such incidents had been reported so far, including one that resulted in the death of a KFC employee.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to bring investment to Pakistan, create employment, pay taxes, support health, education, and welfare — only to become the target of violence,” stated Minister of State for Interior , Mr Talal Chaudhry 

“It is unacceptable for anyone to bring investment to Pakistan, create employment, pay taxes, support health, education, and welfare — only to become the target of violence,”  emphasizing that such acts undermine Pakistan’s economic stability and global reputation.

Pakistan has witnessed a wave of attacks on outlets of the American fast-food chain KFC in recent weeks, prompting authorities to arrest dozens of individuals in connection with the incidents.

The attacks were fuelled by rising anti-American sentiment and anger over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

Officials say at least 11 incidents have occurred in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, where protesters vandalized KFC branches using sticks and other objects. Police officials confirmed that at least 178 people have been arrested in connection with the attacks.

In Sheikhupura, Punjab, one such protest turned deadly. A KFC employee, Asif Nawaz, was shot and killed during an outbreak of violence and vandalism

Among the most affected is the American fast-food chain KFC, which has faced a series of aggressive attacks. In Sheikhupura, Punjab, one such protest turned deadly. A KFC employee, Asif Nawaz, was shot and killed during an outbreak of violence and vandalism. Police said he was working in the kitchen when the shooting occurred. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

In another incident in Rawalpindi, protesters armed with baseball bats and sticks entered a KFC branch, threatening staff and diners.

Syed Khalid Hamdani, Rawalpindi’s top cop said “Ten individuals involved in the incident at the KFC Cantonment branch were arrested; while they did not cause any property damage, they entered the premises and shouted at the staff and customers.

Hamdani further said that “fourteen others were taken into custody outside the KFC Newtown branch, although they did not enter the outlet”.

“After the incident, there are nine KFC outlets in Rawalpindi, and authorities say strict round-the-clock security measures have been put in place at all locations”

In the reply to a question, he said, “After the incident, there are nine KFC outlets in Rawalpindi, and authorities say strict round-the-clock security measures have been put in place at all locations”.

Attacks on KFC and other international food chains began earlier this month in Sindh province, where 24 people were arrested after three cases were registered over looting and arson at four outlets of KFC and Domino’s during pro-Palestinian protests in Karachi and Mirpur Khas.

According to Karachi senior police officials, a group of youths created a Facebook page that incited attacks on fast food outlets

According to Karachi senior police officials, a group of youths created a Facebook page that incited attacks on fast food outlets.

They said that individuals affiliated with the religious and political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) later approached the police stations seeking the release of those arrested.

However, senior TLP leadership have denied issuing any directive to target foreign food chains. Similarly, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders maintain that while they have called for a boycott of foreign products, they have never endorsed or encouraged violent protests.

In Pakistan, a troubling surge of protests has unfolded in recent days, with demonstrators focusing their anger on international fast-food establishments, particularly those originating from the United States.

In a number of cities across the country, angry protesters have broken into and vandalized various stores, causing temporary closures and resulting in widespread chaos and disruption.

These incidents mark a troubling escalation in public unrest, raising concerns over law enforcement’s capacity to respond and the safety of private businesses and their employees.

The recent demonstrations in Pakistan appear to be influenced by a broader international campaign that calls for the boycott of goods, companies, and entities linked directly or indirectly to Israel or perceived as supportive of Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict

The recent demonstrations in Pakistan appear to be influenced by a broader international campaign that calls for the boycott of goods, companies, and entities linked directly or indirectly to Israel or perceived as supportive of Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

In a recent religious gathering in Islamabad, clerics went so far as to issue a decree declaring jihad against Israel as obligatory.

Despite the gravity of such statements, the Pakistani government has limited its response to routine diplomatic condemnations and has refrained from addressing these declarations directly or taking a clear stance.

What remains puzzling is that during the height of the Gaza-Israel conflict, no such extremist movement gained traction in Pakistan, nor did any religious party call for violent action against foreign fast food chains or their representatives. The current wave of aggression, particularly against American brands like KFC, marks a new and troubling development.

Law enforcement agencies have responded by arresting more than 170 individuals in connection with attacks on KFC outlets. However, the scale and coordination of these acts raise questions about the forces driving them—and the silence from political and religious leadership

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.