Authorities in Pakistan have arrested nearly 180 people in recent weeks following a wave of attacks on KFC outlets, driven by growing anti-American sentiment and opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, officials confirmed.
At least 11 separate attacks on KFC locations were reported in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Protesters, some armed with sticks, vandalized the fast-food restaurants, prompting a nationwide crackdown. Police said 178 individuals had been detained in connection with the violence.
The parent company of KFC, US-based Yum Brands, has not issued a comment on the incidents.
In one tragic case, a KFC employee was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen at a store on Lahore’s outskirts. Police noted there was no protest at the time of the shooting and are investigating possible motives, including whether it was politically or ideologically driven.
Following two confirmed attacks and five foiled attempts in Lahore, police have increased security at all 27 KFC branches across the city. Senior police official Faisal Kamran stated that at least 11 individuals had been arrested in Lahore, including a member of the Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). However, he emphasized that the group had not officially organized the demonstrations.
TLP spokesperson Rehan Mohsin Khan echoed that sentiment, saying the party had only encouraged a boycott of Israeli-linked products but had not called for violence or protests outside KFC. Any such actions, he said, were personal and not endorsed by TLP leadership.
KFC, seen by many in Pakistan as a symbol of American influence, has often been a target during periods of heightened anti-US sentiment. In recent months, several Western brands have faced consumer boycotts and protests across Muslim-majority nations amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, according to Israeli sources. Since then, over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military response, according to Gaza health officials.
Yum Brands also reported that its other major franchise, Pizza Hut, has been affected by similar boycotts in the region.
In Pakistan’s beverage sector, local brands have gained ground as many consumers move away from US companies. In 2023, Coca-Cola’s market share declined to 5.7% (from 6.3% in 2022), and PepsiCo’s dropped to 10.4% (from 10.8%), according to GlobalData.
Earlier this month, religious leaders across Pakistan called for peaceful boycotts of products believed to support Israel or the American economy, urging followers not to engage in violence or property destruction.
