Police arrested 10 individuals on Tuesday evening in connection with the vandalism of a well-known international fast food outlet located in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA). The incident involved a mob attack on the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) branch on Korangi Road.
According to South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza, a group of around 40 individuals, mostly youth armed with sticks and stones, launched the attack at approximately 6:15 PM. Police responded swiftly, dispersed the mob, and detained 10 suspects.
DIG Raza stated that the attackers were protesting against U.S. and Israeli policies in Gaza. He added that the situation had been brought under control and that efforts were underway to apprehend the remaining suspects and those believed to have organized the protest. Authorities have also increased security at other KFC branches in the city.
The DIG noted that similar incidents have been seen across various Muslim-majority countries, often incited through social media, including in places like Bangladesh.
A separate attack took place the previous night at a KFC branch located in Mohammad Ali Society. Bahadurabad Station House Officer (SHO) Naveed Soomro reported that the restaurant was targeted while a rally was passing nearby. Although a case was registered, no arrests had yet been made.
According to the FIR, branch manager Saad Gul stated that the attackers arrived at 11:35 PM, demanding the restaurant be shut down. The lights were turned off, but around 15 individuals entered the premises, using chairs, sticks, and stones to vandalize the restaurant and shatter the main gate’s glass. Staff members escaped through the back door. The FIR includes charges under Sections 146, 147, 148, 427, and 504 of the Pakistan Penal Code against unidentified individuals.
The attacks occurred amid a citywide shutter-down strike observed in Karachi following a global call for solidarity with Palestinians, issued by Hamas. The strike was supported by local traders to denounce the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has conducted extensive military operations in Gaza in response to a Hamas attack, resulting in the deaths of over 50,695 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Though a ceasefire was in place earlier this year, hostilities resumed last month.
