Protesters storm KFC outlets in Karachi amid global Gaza solidarity strike

Rallies were held in different areas of Karachi on Monday as part of a global strike observed in various Muslim countries including Palestine to demand an end to Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza.

During the demonstrations, protesters stormed outlets of the American fast-food chain KFC, urging a boycott of brands perceived to support Israel.

At Karachi’s II Chundrigar Road, rally participants entered a KFC branch, calling on diners to stop supporting pro-Israel companies.

In a video circulating online, demonstrators can be heard clarifying that they were staging a peaceful protest and did not intend to harm anyone.

One protester was also heard asking the staff not to close the outlet, assuring them that the protest would remain non-violent.

Read more: Pakistan observes Youm Al-Quds today in solidarity with Palestine

The demonstrators were unarmed and raised awareness about the plight of Palestinians. KFC is among the international brands included on the boycott list promoted by pro-Palestinian activists.

However, tensions escalated in the Bahadurabad area, where a KFC outlet was reportedly vandalised. Some individuals were seen throwing stones at the building.

The global boycott campaign against companies linked to Israel gained momentum through the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Various regions have experienced spontaneous grassroots boycott campaign in response to Israel's relentless genocide in the Gaza Strip.

In June 2024, McDonald’s shut down its 26-year-old outlet at Najeeb Centre on Karachi’s Tariq Road following persistent boycott calls.

Though the boycott movement has gained traction in Pakistan, with many consumers shifting to local alternatives, popular international brands like KFC, McDonald’s, and Pepsi continue to operate and attract customers without formal restrictions.

Earlier, in July 2023, the Pakistani government announced a nationwide boycott of Israeli products in support for the Palestinian people.