Pakistani authorities have arrested at least 160 individuals following a wave of attacks targeting international fast-food chains across the country. 

The crackdown comes after a series of incidents in Sindh and Punjab provinces, prompted by protests against the Israeli conflict in Gaza. One worker was killed during an attack in Sheikhupura.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry announced the arrests at a press conference in Faisalabad, stating that 145 arrests were made in Punjab, along with 12 First Information Reports (FIRs) filed. 

In Islamabad, 15 more arrests were made following two separate incidents.  At least 21 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists were also arrested in connection with attacks in Karachi and Lahore.

Chaudhry emphasized that the government is taking a firm stance against the attacks, asserting that those involved will face strict penalties. He highlighted that the government has received assurances from all major political parties, including religious parties, that they were not involved in the coordinated attacks.  Chaudhry stated that those arrested had admitted guilt and expressed remorse.

“The franchise owner is a Pakistani and a Muslim. The entire management of this [food chain] is from Pakistan. Whatever items they use, they buy them from Pakistani vendors, shopkeepers and markets. […] Its entire profit also remains within Pakistan,” Chaudhry said.

The minister stressed the economic importance of these international food chains, noting that one particular chain had invested over $100 million in Pakistan and employs over 25,000 people directly or indirectly.

He condemned the attacks as unacceptable and vowed that they would be treated with the same severity as terrorist attacks. Chaudhry also cited statements from prominent religious leaders condemning the violence as un-Islamic.