Pakistan vows crackdown after attacks on foreign food chains

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, on Saturday condemned recent attacks on international fast-food outlets across the country, calling them “regrettable and unacceptable.”

Speaking at a press conference, Chaudhry said over 20 outlets of global food chains have been attacked in recent days. He described the killing of one person in Sheikhupura as a “deeply saddening incident.”

Authorities have responded with swift arrests. “We’ve arrested 15 people in Islamabad and 142 in Punjab. So far, 12 FIRs have been registered,” he said.

Chaudhry stressed that such violence undermines livelihoods and investor confidence.

“These businesses employ around 25,000 Pakistanis. Attacking them is damaging not just jobs but also the country’s reputation.”

He noted that no political party has taken responsibility for the unrest. “Thanks to timely government action, these incidents are now decreasing.”

The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Interior have directed all provinces to protect lives and property, Chaudhry added.

He highlighted that international food chains have invested more than $100 million in Pakistan and pay all their taxes.

“Unfortunately, many local hotels and restaurants evade taxes,” he said. Chaudhry also addressed the wider issue of foreign investment.

“Whether it’s CPEC or the mines and minerals sector, foreign investors are the crown jewels of our economy,” he said, pointing to major investments in Reko Diq, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pakistan Administered Kashmir.

He acknowledged public anger over the situation in Palestine but said violence against foreign businesses in its name is unjustified.

“Pakistan stands with Palestine, but harming legal businesses that create jobs is unacceptable,” he stated.

Religious rulings, or fatwas, clarifying this stance have been shared with the media to counter misinformation. Chaudhry warned that those targeting foreign investors would face the same treatment as terrorists.

“If such incidents continue, no foreign investor will come to Pakistan,” he said.