Police have arrested scores of people in Pakistan in recent weeks after attacks on outlets of the US fast-food chain KFC, sparked by anti-US sentiment and opposition to its support of Israel’s war on Gaza, officials said, reports Al Jazeera.
Police in major cities, 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.
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.
KFC’s parent company, US-based Yum Brands, has been affected by boycotts related to Israel’s war in Gaza.
In Pakistan, local brands have made inroads into its fast-growing cola market as some consumers avoid US brands.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
