Govt warns against violence targeting foreign food chain in Pakistan

Amid the recent violent attacks on a foreign food chain outlet, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry clarified on Saturday that the food chain is entirely based in Pakistan and has no foreign affiliation. He strongly condemned the incidents of vandalism that took place at restaurants in multiple cities.

Speaking at a press conference in Faisalabad, Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken strict notice of the attacks and ordered action against the perpetrators. “No concessions of any kind are being given,” he asserted.

The minister revealed that nearly 20 attacks on foreign food chain outlets had been reported across the country. In Punjab alone, 12 FIRs were registered and 142 suspects were arrested. Two similar incidents were reported in Islamabad, leading to the arrest of 15 more individuals.

He further stated that several of the arrested individuals expressed remorse for their actions. “They are ashamed and have been apologising,” he added.

KFC attack: Rawalpindi police arrest main suspect, continue search for others

Chaudhry also warned that such violent acts threaten the livelihoods of approximately 25,000 workers employed at the food chain’s outlets across the country. 

Highlighting the economic impact of the food chain, the minister said, “This company has invested over $100 million in Pakistan. It pays 100% of its taxes unlike many local restaurants that evade taxes.”

He emphasised that the franchise is owned by a Pakistani Muslim, its entire management is based in Pakistan, and all goods used are sourced locally. 

Read: After Karachi, KFC outlet attacked in Mirpurkhas

“The franchise owner is a Pakistani and a Muslim. The entire management of this [food chain] is from Pakistan. Whatever items they use, they buy them from Pakistani vendors, shopkeepers and markets," he said. 

"Its entire profit also remains within Pakistan," he added. 

The minister noted that no further incidents had occurred since the previous day and lauded all political parties for distancing themselves from the violence.

Chaudhry condemned the attackers, stating they neither follow religion nor the Constitution. “They are pushing a misleading narrative linked to Muslim governments. These silent acts of violence are intolerable and will be dealt with like acts of terrorism,” he warned.

He also cited religious decrees from several clerics who termed such violent acts as ‘un-Islamic’ and condemned 'baseless boycotts' and the spread of hatred.

Recently, several KFC outlets were attacked in different cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Mirpur Khas. Mobs entered the restaurants, threatening diners and staff to boycott the company.

In a  tragic incident, an unidentified motorcyclist opened fire at a foreign food chain outlet in Sheikhupura, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old staff member, Asif Nawaz.

District Police Officer (DPO) Sheikhupura, Bilal Zafar Sheikh, said that the gunman fled the scene immediately after the attack. A heavy police contingent responded swiftly to the site, and investigations are currently underway.