70 arrested after food chain worker killed in Pakistan anti-Israel boycott violence

Pakistani authorities have arrested 70 people Tuesday, including members of the religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), and conducted approximately 150 raids following the fatal shooting of a restaurant worker at a KFC outlet in Punjab province on Monday.

The crackdown in Sheikhupura district comes as tensions escalate between police and religious activists amid a growing boycott movement targeting international brands over alleged ties to Israel.

Authorities registered a case under terrorism and murder charges, according to police officials. The First Information Report (FIR No. 1012/25) has been sealed as the investigation continues.

Rescue officials reported that Asif Nawaz, a resident of Khan Colony and an employee at the restaurant, died instantly when an unidentified assailant entered the KFC at Lahore Bypass Chowk and opened fire on Monday, April 14. His body was transferred to a local hospital for legal procedures.

TLP denies involvement

TLP has denied any involvement in the shooting, despite having demonstrated at the same KFC location just a day prior to the incident. The demonstrations are part of a wider movement calling for boycotts of Western brands perceived to have ties to Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

"Police brutality in Sheikhupura. Many officials and workers have been arrested in Sheikhupura. Multiple homes have been vandalized," wrote Mian Muneeb Rizvi, a TLP social media activist, on Facebook, claiming authorities were conducting an unwarranted operation against the group.

The hardline party, known for its strict position on blasphemy laws and strong anti-Israel stance, had forced the restaurant to temporarily close on Sunday, April 13, before protesters dispersed.

TLP spokesperson Rehan Mohsin defended the organization, claiming any arrests of their members were mistaken and challenging police to produce evidence.

"The current situation in Pakistan is that people are quite concerned regarding Gaza... this is not just Tehreek e Labbaik's stance, this is entire Pakistan's stance," Mohsin said. "As far as arrests and murder are concerned, neither is this Tehreek's policy nor do we behave like this."

Mohsin demanded authorities release any CCTV footage that might implicate TLP members, while acknowledging that "a mob is a mob, and such a situation can happen anywhere."

Escalation in 'anti-Israel' violence

The recent incidents mark a significant escalation in violence amid a widespread series of attacks targeting international food chains across Pakistan, driven by anger over the Gaza conflict.

Violence has erupted in multiple major cities. On Monday, April 14, a group of 10-12 men carrying Palestinian flags vandalized a KFC branch in Rawalpindi's Cantonment area, verbally abusing staff and customers.

Last week, similar attacks targeted KFC and Domino's Pizza outlets in Karachi's Super Highway and DHA Phase 2 localities, Lahore's DHA Phase IV, Larkana, and Mirpurkhas

The violence has prompted authorities to take serious measures, including imposing Section 144 in Karachi's central district and deploying additional police at international food chain locations. Police have filed terrorism charges in multiple cities, with arrests of suspects in Karachi, Larkana, and elsewhere.

Critics of the attacks have condemned the violence, stating peaceful economic boycotts would be more effective than attacks that endanger innocent workers and bystanders.