Protests Against KFC in Pakistan Turn Deadly Amid Gaza Conflict

Demonstrations against KFC as a symbol of U.S. and Israeli interests have sparked violence across Pakistan, leading to multiple arrests and the tragic death of a restaurant employee during a protest. Calls for a peaceful boycott come from influential clerics as the situation intensifies.

Police have responded to escalating protests across Pakistan that are primarily aimed at KFC establishments, resulting in one man losing his life and numerous others arrested. The protests are fueled by widespread anger over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with demonstrators claiming that KFC epitomizes American imperialism and its relationship with Israel.

According to Pakistan's Minister of State for the Interior, Talal Chaudhry, at least 20 violent incidents have been documented, where crowds attempted to attack KFC outlets. Such incidents included armed mobs wielding iron rods and threatening to incinerate the restaurants if not met with police intervention. Notably, KFC stores in Karachi were reportedly set ablaze.

Witnesses captured footage of demonstrators declaring, "They are buying bullets with the money you make," reflecting the deep-seated frustrations linked to the Gaza war. In a grim development, police confirmed the shooting death of 45-year-old Asif Nawaz, a KFC staff member, during an outbreak of violence in Sheikhupura. A stray bullet penetrated his shoulder and subsequently moved towards his chest, leading to his untimely demise. Police investigations are ongoing, with 40 individuals apprehended, although the shooter remains unidentified.

Despite the violence, Minister Chaudhry emphasized that the majority of the business owners at KFC are Pakistani nationals and thus the profits benefit local communities. High-profile religious leaders and groups within Pakistan have urged for non-violent protests against perceived Israeli support. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), an Islamist organization, has called for demonstrations against US and Israeli policies but denies any links to the attacks on KFC.

Mufti Taqi Usmani, a notable Sunni cleric, has encouraged peaceful methods of protest and emphasized the need for boycotts without violence, reminding attendees at the National Palestine Conference of the importance of respecting human life. "Islam is not a religion that encourages harming others," he stated, a sentiment echoed by TLP representatives.

The backlash against Western brands is not new, as similar incidents have occurred across Muslim-majority nations due to perceptions of these companies' ties to Israeli policies. McDonald's and Starbucks have also faced significant backlash in the past, leading to significant corporate responses amid the Israel-Gaza tensions.

KFC and its parent company, Yum Brands, have not yet issued any statements responding to the unrest or the tragic incident in Pakistan.