Tensions flared in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi on Sunday night as a group of anti-Israel protestors stormed a KFC outlet in the city’s Saddar area, vandalising the premises and harassing customers. The attack, caught on camera, has since gone viral and sparked widespread alarm over the increasing trend of targeting global brands over perceived ties to Israel.
According to the FIR filed by the restaurant manager, around 10–12 armed individuals entered the outlet around 8:30 pm. The group reportedly shouted anti-Israel slogans, forced customers out, and caused extensive damage. “When we tried to stop them, they hurled abuses and threatened to kill us,” the manager stated in the complaint.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
Which investor will come to this Pakistan without Rule of Law? Scene of gangsterism apparently against Israel in a KFC outlet in Rawalpindi Military Garrison town? Not far from Army HQ@RepTomSuozzi @RepJackBergman pic.twitter.com/Xf5SbCloSv
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) April 14, 2025
The footage shows chaos unfolding inside the fast food restaurant, with protestors aggressively shouting at diners and damaging property. Many customers were seen fleeing in panic as the scene turned violent. A Palestinian flag was also visible in the video, underlining the protestors’ motive.
Police confirmed on Monday that they had identified the miscreants through CCTV footage and vowed swift action. Authorities are investigating the incident and tracing all individuals involved in the attack.
This act of aggression mirrors similar recent incidents in Pakistan and Bangladesh, where fast food outlets such as KFC and Pizza Hut, along with other Western brands, have faced attacks amidst boycotts over alleged support for Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Last week, a KFC outlet in Karachi’s DHA area was also vandalised by protestors. In Bangladesh, brands like Bata, Puma, and Pizza Hut were similarly targeted by angry mobs. The wave of protests across the region appears to be driven by rising tensions over the Israel-Gaza crisis, with global franchises facing the brunt of public anger.
