Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has condemned the recent wave of violent attacks on international fast-food outlets across the country, asserting that such actions are part of an “organised” campaign that damages Pakistan without offering any real support to Gaza. Her remarks come in the wake of targeted assaults on franchises in Sindh and Punjab, including a fatal incident in Sheikhupura that claimed the life of a restaurant worker, reports DAWN.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bokhari said the attacks were not spontaneous but carried out under a well-orchestrated plan, primarily concentrated in Punjab. She alleged that an extremist group is behind these incidents, working with deliberate coordination. She added that although similar attacks were reported in Karachi, Mirpurkhas, and Larkana, the pattern in Punjab points to a more organised effort.
Bokhari warned that those attempting to disrupt law and order in the name of religion or political protest would face stern action. “We will deal with miscreants with an iron hand. They will not be spared,” she declared, adding that the state has already begun to arrest and investigate suspects.
She emphasised that these fast-food outlets are operated under franchise models owned by Pakistanis and staffed by locals. “If 25,000 Pakistanis lose their jobs because of this, how does it benefit Gaza? It only causes economic harm to our own country,” she said. Bokhari questioned the logic behind attacking businesses, insisting that such acts only damage Pakistan’s image and economy.
Addressing the death of a worker in Sheikhupura, Bokhari asked, “What was his fault?” She expressed concern over the growing trend of violence masquerading as solidarity, asserting that true support for Palestinians does not involve harming fellow Pakistanis. She added that the government has been taking real steps to assist Gaza, including the dispatch of humanitarian aid.
According to the minister, a total of 149 suspects have been arrested so far in connection with the attacks, and 14 first information reports (FIRs) have been registered. The arrests include 71 suspects from Sheikhupura, 33 from Rawalpindi, 11 each from Lahore and Multan, eight from Gujranwala, seven from Bahawalpur, six from Sahiwal, and two from Rahim Yar Khan. An FIR has also been filed in Faisalabad.
She called on the judiciary to impose exemplary punishments and urged religious scholars to publicly denounce the violence, helping to educate the public about its damaging consequences.
Bokhari also hinted at a possible foreign element seeking to destabilise Pakistan by exploiting religious sentiments. “These people are neither patriots nor do they support peace and development. They are trying to ignite a fire that will consume our progress,” she said.
Meanwhile, security forces and law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on the perpetrators. Several attacks were reported earlier this month, including incidents in Karachi between April 7 and April 10. Ten Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists were arrested in connection with one of the Karachi attacks. Other events included a restaurant being set on fire in Mirpurkhas and a KFC outlet being attacked with stones in Larkana.
In Lahore, 11 TLP activists were taken into custody after vandalising a fast-food outlet in the Defence Housing Authority area. In Islamabad’s E-11 sector, five suspects were arrested following similar acts of vandalism.
Bokhari concluded by urging the media and society at large to discourage violence under the guise of protest. “Palestinians are not taking up arms; they are giving their lives. Islam guarantees the protection of innocent lives. We must uphold that principle in our own country too.”
The ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza, launched in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and massive destruction of infrastructure. The toll is feared to be even higher as thousands remain buried under the rubble.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
