‘Acts of terrorism’: Pakistan minister vows crackdown after fast-food chains attacked in Gaza protest wave

Pakistan‘s Minister of State for Interior, Tallal Chaudhry, has strongly condemned a recent wave of attacks on international fast-food franchises across the country, calling the acts “equivalent to terrorism” and warning that the state will pursue severe legal action against those involved. The attacks, which targeted outlets like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), erupted amid anti-Israel protests but have prompted sharp rebukes from the government over the implications for law and order and national economic stability.

Chaudhry made the remarks at a press conference in Faisalabad on Saturday, just days after a KFC employee was killed in Sheikhupura during one such incident. He stressed that violence under the guise of protest would not be tolerated, and that perpetrators would face charges under terrorism laws.

Why were fast-food outlets attacked in Pakistan?

The targeted vandalism stemmed from localised demonstrations over Israel‘s military actions in Gaza. Protesters reportedly linked certain multinational food chains to perceived support for Israel, despite the franchises in question being fully owned and operated by Pakistani investors. These attacks included arson, property damage, and assaults on staff.

Chaudhry clarified that the affected outlets are Pakistani businesses operating under international brand licenses, with no financial or managerial connection to any foreign political entity. He said these businesses have invested more than $100 million into the local economy and employ over 25,000 people.

“These are not Israeli companies. These are Pakistani businesses that pay taxes, create jobs, and serve the local community. Attacking them is self-destructive,” Chaudhry said.

What action has the government taken so far?

Law enforcement agencies have already made significant arrests in connection with the violence. According to Chaudhry, 145 people have been arrested in Punjab and another 15 in Islamabad. Many of those detained reportedly admitted to their actions and expressed regret during questioning.

The government has directed provincial police forces to identify and detain those involved using surveillance footage and intelligence inputs. The minister said that anyone found to have incited or facilitated the violence would also be held accountable under the law.

Chaudhry confirmed that no religious or political parties had officially endorsed the attacks, and he called on community leaders to discourage further unrest. Several leading clerics have also condemned the violence and issued religious decrees classifying such acts as un-Islamic.

What happened in Sheikhupura?

The most serious incident occurred in Sheikhupura, where a KFC employee died after protesters attacked the outlet. While the exact circumstances of the employee’s death have not been disclosed, the fatality has escalated the situation from property damage to a grave law-and-order concern.

Chaudhry said the incident underscored the risk of mob violence and the need for swift state intervention. “The death of a citizen while on duty is not just a crime; it is an act of terror. We are treating this as a terrorist offence,” he stated, adding that investigations were ongoing and further arrests were likely.

Will protest activity be restricted?

While acknowledging the public’s right to protest, the Ministry of Interior said any future demonstrations must be peaceful and within the legal framework. The government has issued fresh directives to district administrations across the country to ensure that commercial properties and workers are protected from violence.

Security has been stepped up around multinational outlets, shopping centres, and major intersections in cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed in high-risk zones to deter further attacks.

The Interior Ministry has also reached out to religious scholars and political organisations, urging them to publicly condemn violence and encourage peaceful forms of expression. “People can show solidarity with Gaza without harming their fellow Pakistanis,” Chaudhry said.

Broader law-and-order concerns

The Pakistani government is under increasing pressure to stabilise law and order at a time when the economy remains fragile. Officials are concerned that such incidents, if left unchecked, could embolden extremist elements and damage public confidence in the state’s ability to maintain security.

Chaudhry reiterated that protests that result in violence, destruction, or loss of life will not be tolerated, regardless of their underlying cause. “The state will act decisively against those who take the law into their own hands,” he said, warning that deterrence measures are being reviewed to prevent similar flare-ups.

The government’s handling of this crisis is likely to serve as a precedent for managing future protests where geopolitical concerns intersect with domestic business operations. With emotions running high over developments in the Middle East, the administration is focused on maintaining a balance between civic freedoms and national security.