Wave of Anti-American Protests Targets KFC Outlets in Pakistan; Over 170 Arrested
In recent weeks, police across Pakistan have arrested scores of individuals following a series of mob attacks on outlets of the U.S.-based fast-food giant KFC. The assaults, fueled by rising anti-American sentiment and opposition to Israel's military campaign in Gaza, have rocked major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Authorities confirmed that at least 11 separate attacks were recorded, where groups of stick-wielding protesters vandalized KFC restaurants. Police reported that 178 people have been arrested in connection with these incidents.
Tragically, in Lahore, an employee of KFC was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at a store located on the city's outskirts. Officials said there was no protest underway at the time, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether the killing was politically motivated.
In response to the unrest, Lahore police have tightened security around 27 KFC locations, following two successful attacks and the prevention of five more. Senior officer Faisal Kamran revealed that 11 suspects, including a member of the Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), were detained, although the party has officially denied orchestrating any protests against KFC.
TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan clarified that while the party has urged Muslims to boycott Israeli-linked products, it did not call for demonstrations targeting KFC. "If anyone claiming to be a TLP supporter has participated in such acts, it was done independently and does not reflect the party's policy," Khan added.
KFC, long viewed as a symbol of American influence in Pakistan, has repeatedly faced backlash during waves of anti-U.S. protests. Recently, global outrage over Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza has triggered boycotts and demonstrations against Western brands in several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan.
The Gaza conflict was ignited by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israeli military operations have led to the deaths of more than 51,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials.
Meanwhile, Yum Brands, KFC's parent company, has also acknowledged that its other major chain, Pizza Hut, has suffered extended disruptions due to boycotts linked to the Gaza conflict.
The anti-Western sentiment has even reshaped Pakistan's competitive beverage market. According to GlobalData, American soft drink giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo both saw their market shares fall in 2023, as local alternatives gained ground.
Earlier this month, Pakistani religious leaders publicly encouraged a boycott of brands linked to Israel or the U.S. economy but urged supporters to avoid violence and refrain from damaging property.
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