Over 170 arrested for attacks on Pakistan KFC outlets in Gaza war protests

18/4/2025 15:19

Police have arrested scores of people in Pakistan in recent weeks after more than 10 mob attacks on outlets of U.S. fast-food chain KFC, sparked by anti-United States sentiment and opposition to its ally Israel's war in Gaza, officials said.



Police in major cities in the Islamic nation, including the southern port city of Karachi, the eastern city of Lahore and the capital Islamabad, confirmed at least 11 incidents in which KFC outlets were attacked by protesters armed with sticks and vandalised. At least 178 people were arrested, the officials said this week.



KFC and its parent Yum Brands, both U.S.-based, did not respond to requests for comment.



A police official said one KFC employee was shot and killed this week in a store on the outskirts of Lahore by unknown gunmen. The official added there was no protest at the time and they were investigating whether the killing was motivated by political sentiment or some other reason.



In Lahore, police said they were ramping up security at 27 KFC outlets around the city after two attacks took place and five others were prevented.