Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry on Saturday condemned the recent wave of vandalism targeting international fast-food chains across Sindh and Punjab, promising strict action against those involved.
Speaking at a press conference in Faisalabad, Chaudhry emphasized the state’s obligation to safeguard both local and foreign-owned businesses operating in Pakistan. His remarks followed a series of violent incidents aimed at international fast-food outlets, ostensibly in protest of Israeli actions in Gaza. One such attack in Sheikhupura tragically resulted in the death of a restaurant employee.
Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had issued clear directives to provincial authorities, stressing their duty to protect lives and property.
“Anyone involved in such attacks will face severe consequences,” he said.
According to Chaudhry, approximately 20 attacks occurred across various locations in Pakistan, specifically targeting KFC outlets. In Punjab, 145 suspects were arrested and 12 FIRs registered. In Islamabad, two incidents were reported, with 15 individuals taken into custody.
The minister noted that all mainstream political and religious parties had distanced themselves from the acts of vandalism, which he praised as a responsible stance and a true representation of Islamic principles.
Chaudhry said those arrested expressed remorse and sought forgiveness in recorded video statements. He emphasized that investigations revealed no coordinated backing from any political or religious party.
In Karachi and Lahore, at least 21 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists were arrested in connection with the attacks. However, Chaudhry clarified that no official directive from the TLP or any party had called for such actions.
He further pointed out that the franchises being targeted are owned and managed by Pakistani Muslims, sourcing supplies locally and keeping their profits within Pakistan. “What justification remains for such attacks?” he questioned.
Calling investors the “crown” of Pakistan, Chaudhry stressed that the government is committed to protecting their interests. He cited that these international chains have invested over $100 million in Pakistan, pay full taxes, and provide livelihoods to over 25,000 families.
He criticized misinformation about the Muslim world, stating that such baseless claims and violence are against both Islam and the Constitution. Declaring the attacks as “intolerable,” Chaudhry said they would be treated with the same seriousness as terrorist acts.
Referring to the fatal Sheikhupura incident, he lamented the loss of life due to senseless violence and noted that several prominent clerics had issued religious rulings condemning such actions as un-Islamic.
Background on the Attacks:
Between April 7 and April 9, at least three fast-food outlets were vandalized in Karachi, with another attack foiled on April 10. Police arrested 10 TLP members for one incident. In Mirpurkhas, a restaurant was set on fire, while a KFC outlet in Larkana was attacked with stones.
In Lahore, 11 TLP supporters were detained for damaging a fast-food outlet in DHA. In Rawalpindi, vandals were traced using CCTV after an April 14 attack, and five individuals were arrested in Islamabad for a similar incident in the E-11 sector.
The most serious case occurred in Sheikhupura on April 14 — the same day TLP had called for an anti-Israel protest — where gunmen opened fire on a restaurant, killing an employee.
