Fatalities Emerge Amid Boycotts of KFC in Pakistan Following Gaza Conflict

A man has been killed during protests targeting KFC branches in Pakistan, with demonstrators calling for a boycott due to perceived ties to the Gaza conflict. Authorities have arrested numerous individuals as unrest spreads across cities in response to the ongoing war.

In the wake of escalating tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict, protests against KFC outlets in Pakistan have turned deadly. The protests, fueled by anger over the war in Gaza, have led to an urgent call for boycotting the fast-food chain, deemed a symbol of U.S. support for Israel. A tragic incident occurred in Sheikhupura, where a 45-year-old KFC employee, Asif Nawaz, was killed during the protests.

Pakistan's Minister of State for the Interior, Talal Chaudhry, reported that around 20 attempted attacks on KFC locations have taken place within the last week. Video footage circulating on social media depicts violent mobs storming KFC branches, wielding iron rods and making threats to set the establishments ablaze. Disturbingly, two KFC locations in Karachi were set on fire amid the turmoil.

Chaudhry emphasized the importance of understanding that the majority of KFC vendors in Pakistan are local and that profits benefit Pakistani workers, urging protesters to recognize this reality. A police spokesperson confirmed details surrounding Nawaz's death, explaining that he was struck by a bullet allegedly fired during the protests while he was working in the kitchen. The bullet entered his shoulder and lacerated his chest, resulting in his fatal injuries. Investigators have indicated that, at this point, there is no evidence suggesting that Nawaz was deliberately targeted.

As protests continue, influential figures across Pakistan have condemned the violence while expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has called for demonstrations against U.S. and Israeli policies, although they have categorically denied any involvement in the vandalism against KFC.

Senior Sunni cleric Mufti Taqi Usmani has recommended crafting a boycott of products associated with Israel; however, he has also urged his followers to ensure these protests remain peaceful and to avoid any violent actions. This sentiment is echoed by TLP representatives. The calls for increased boycotts of Western brands in Pakistan are becoming increasingly frequent, especially amid global outrage surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In a related context, brands such as McDonald's and Starbucks have previously faced scrutiny and protests due to perceived affiliations with Israel, leading to significant operational changes. As tensions remain high, KFC and its parent company, Yum Brands, have yet to publicly address these pressing issues.