"What do they hope to accomplish by this?"
A tragic shooting at a KFC outlet in Sheikhupura left one employee dead and caused significant damage to the fast food restaurant.
The attack was allegedly carried out by supporters of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
It sparked widespread concern over the safety of international food chains operating in the region.
According to reports, two individuals approached the outlet, and one of them opened fire.
The bullets struck 45-year-old Asif Nawaz, a kitchen worker.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Nawaz succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has left the public infuriated.
On social media, one person wrote:
“What do they hope to accomplish by this? By killing a poor KFC employee earning minimum wage just to provide for his family?”
Another commented: “Illiteracy and ignorance at its peak!”
A third aid: “What was his fault?”
The incident occurred just hours after an anti-Israel protest was held by the party in the area.
Before the protest, authorities had been assured that it would remain peaceful.
Sheikhupura’s Regional Police Officer (RPO), Athar Ismail, stated that law enforcement had been aware of the protest.
However, the shooting occurred after the protesters had dispersed.
The police have registered an FIR under section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
Forensic experts from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) were also brought in to assist with evidence collection and analysis.
Despite a search operation launched by police and intelligence agencies in Sheikhupura, the prime suspects responsible for Nawaz’s murder remain at large.
Authorities have arrested 40 individuals in connection with the violent protests that preceded the attack.
However, no arrests have been made regarding the shooting itself.
This has led to growing criticism of the Punjab Police for their inability to provide adequate security for businesses, particularly international chains.
The attack follows a series of similar incidents targeting fast food outlets across Pakistan.
Just days before the Sheikhupura attack, a mob in Lahore’s DHA Phase IV caused significant damage to another KFC branch.
Eleven suspects were arrested in connection with that attack.
In addition, KFC outlets in Mirpur Khas, Sindh, and multiple locations in Karachi have also been targeted recently.
This has prompted heightened concerns about the safety of these businesses and their employees.
The public has been advised to avoid eating at fast food outlets like McDonald’s and KFC.
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