Rawalpindi: Police deployed at foreign food chain outlets after recent attacks

In response to the recent surge in attacks on foreign food outlets, City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi, Khalid Hamdani, emphasised the importance of maintaining public safety in commercial areas that attract thousands of women and children daily.

Speaking to the media, Hamdani stated that Rawalpindi has traditionally been a secure city, and it is the duty of law enforcement and society alike to ensure that this peaceful environment is preserved.

Referring to an incident on the night of April 13, Hamdani revealed that a group of individuals armed with sticks entered a branch of an international food chain, harassed staff and customers, and created a scene of chaos.

“Within 48 hours, we arrested ten suspects, including the main accused, through CCTV footage and human intelligence,” he said.

Read: After Karachi, KFC outlet attacked in Mirpurkhas

The CPO confirmed that additional police personnel have now been deployed at all food outlets and commercial centers identified as vulnerable. 

Those arrested in connection with the April 13 attack include Kamran, Naseem, Tauseef, Khizr, Mansoor, Zayed, Asif, Azmat, Nasir, and Hamza.

Hamdani further announced that police officers are now stationed outside all fast food outlets, and awareness seminars will be held to educate the public on the importance of lawful behavior.

The CCPO added that authorities are also considering registering cases against individuals involved in any form of public harassment or intimidation.

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In a separate and more 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.