LAHORE: In a chilling escalation of violence stemming from rising anti-Israel sentiment, a worker at an international fast-food franchise was shot and killed late Sunday night in Punjab’s Sheikhupura district. The targeted outlet is one of several international food chains facing backlash in Pakistan over alleged business ties with Israeli entities amid the ongoing genocide in Palestine.
According to Sheikhupura Regional Police Officer (RPO) Athar Ismail, two unidentified men arrived outside the outlet on April 14. One of them opened fire from outside the premises, fatally wounding 45-year-old Asif Nawaz, who was working in the kitchen at the time. The suspects did not enter the building and fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Asif, a resident of Khan Colony, was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him.
The incident occurred hours after the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) had held anti-Israel protests in the city earlier that day. The protests had reportedly concluded peacefully, with the party giving prior assurances to the police and district administration that there would be no violence. However, authorities now suspect the murder may have been linked to rising hostilities stoked by the demonstrations.
In the aftermath of the killing, Punjab Police and intelligence agencies launched a large-scale search operation in Sheikhupura. While over 40 suspects have been detained for questioning, the primary suspect remains at large over 24 hours later.
Punjab Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar told the media that police received an emergency call at 11:05 PM on April 14 reporting the shooting. A team from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) was dispatched for forensic analysis and evidence collection. An FIR has been registered under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Dr. Anwar confirmed that security has been tightened at similar fast-food outlets across the province to prevent further attacks. He also stated that investigations are ongoing and interrogations of detained suspects are underway.
This is not the first time an international fast-food franchise has come under attack in Pakistan amid pro-Palestine protests. Earlier this year, a group of TLP supporters vandalized a branch of the same franchise located in Phase IV of Lahore’s DHA. Police had subsequently arrested 11 suspects involved in that incident.
While protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza continue globally, Pakistan has witnessed a sharp uptick in calls for boycotts of multinational food and retail brands perceived to have financial or ideological links to Israel. However, this recent trend of violent targeting represents a dangerous turn, raising alarm about public safety and the radicalization of protest movements.
Authorities are now grappling with the challenge of maintaining law and order while navigating the politically and emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding the Palestine conflict. The murder of a local worker—who had no known political or organizational affiliation—has underscored the tragic human cost of unchecked mob sentiment.
Police have appealed to the public to remain peaceful in expressing solidarity with Palestinians and not to resort to violence against businesses or individuals unaffiliated with the conflict.
