Tensions rise in Karachi as protesters target KFC over Gaza issue

KARACHI: Tensions flared in Karachi’s Bahadurabad locality on Monday evening when protesters from a right-wing group laid siege to a KFC outlet, demanding the boycott of the fast-food chain in support of Palestine.

Protesters, chanting and holding placards, criticized American food franchises like KFC and McDonald’s, and Domino’s for supporting the Israeli Defense Forces through indirect means.

The protesters forcibly closed down several KFC outlets throughout the city, throwing stones at the businesses and calling on citizens to stop eating products connected to American corporations that they believe are in support of the Israeli attacks.

“We can survive without KFC,” one protester yelled at diners, while another shouted, “Children are being killed in Gaza every day. This isn‘t just a boycott — it’s a moral stance.”

The protests are demonstrative of some growing sentiment of solidarity with Palestine among certain factions in the city.

Online reports stated that no injuries were recorded but that some outlets’ operations were momentarily halted due to security concerns.

Although the fast food chain’s Karachi police have not yet released an official statement, residents reported seeing local officers stationed in several areas to stop the situation from getting worse.

Karachi shut-down strike

Karachi traders protested Israeli operations in Gaza and showed sympathy with Palestinians by participating in a citywide shutdown strike on Monday.

More than 600 major markets in the city were closed as a result of the strike, which came after Hamas issued a global summons.

Israel is still attacking Gaza’s hospitals, killing several people, including journalists. The strikes are a component of Israel’s continuous military assault against Hamas, which grew more intense following the ceasefire’s failure.

Hospital grounds are again being targeted, but thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought safety there. More than 50,000 Palestinians Many individuals, including journalists, have been killed by Israel’s ongoing a Gaza has seen extensive destruction and more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths as a result of the conflict.