Several individuals arrested for vandalizing a branch of an international fast-food chain have issued public apologies, claiming they are not affiliated with any political party and urging others to refrain from engaging in violent protests.
During a media appearance on Saturday, the suspects acknowledged their wrongdoing and expressed deep remorse for their actions.
“We are embarrassed by what we did and regret our involvement,” said one of the accused. Another added, “We apologise to the public and urge people not to take part in such destructive activities. Many locals are employed at these places and shouldn’t suffer because of others’ actions.”
The attack, which led to property damage and the tragic death of a worker, drew widespread condemnation and triggered legal proceedings.
Bail Granted by Court
Civil Judge Mumtaz Hanjra approved bail for all suspects, including Naseem Ahmed, Zahid Javed, Khizr Hayat, Mansoor Ahmed, Tausif Ahmed, and Kamran alias Kami. The court ordered each to submit a surety bond of Rs25,000.
Questions Raised Over Investigation
The defence argued that the suspects were not originally named in the FIR and were added during the investigation stage.
“The investigating officer has not clarified how these individuals were implicated,” the defence lawyer stated.
Concerns were also raised about the identification process. The lawyer noted that although the restaurant had CCTV cameras, the suspects were not clearly visible in the footage. “According to NADRA records, no facial match was established from the video,” he added.
Background: Nationwide Arrests and Protests
Just a day earlier, authorities confirmed that over 170 people were arrested in connection with coordinated attacks on fast-food outlets across Pakistan, triggered by rising anti-American sentiment and opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Incidents occurred in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Police reported at least 11 attacks on KFC branches by mobs armed with sticks. In Sheikhupura, a KFC worker was shot dead by unidentified gunmen. Police are investigating whether the killing had a political motive or was unrelated.
In Lahore, police heightened security at 27 KFC branches after two outlets were attacked and several other attempts were foiled.
Senior police officer Faisal Kamran said that multiple individuals, including one affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), were detained. He clarified, however, that the group had not officially organized the protests.
TLP spokesperson Rehan Mohsin Khan stated that while the group advocates for a boycott of Israeli products, it did not call for demonstrations outside KFC.
“Any individual claiming to represent TLP who was involved in such actions did so in a personal capacity, not as part of the party’s official stance,” he said.
