The Minister of State of the Interior, Talal Chaudhry, condemned a series of violent attacks against international fast food points, promising a strict action against those involved in the incidents that have occurred in multiple cities.
Talal Chaudhry told journalists in Faisalabad on Saturday that the State would “strictly” with any person involved in damaging public or private property, saying that such acts would be treated as “not different from a terrorist attack.”
At least 20 separate incidents were reported in Sindh and Punjab, even in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Sheikhupura.
In the most serious case, a worker was deadly shot when armed men attacked a restaurant in Sheikhupura on April 14.
“These franchises invest more than $ 100 million in Pakistan, employ more than 25,000 people, pay taxes of 100% and buy local suppliers,” said Chaudhry. “All gain remains in Pakistan. What excuse is there for such attacks?”
Chaudhry emphasized that the target franchises were property and operation locally, and said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered immediate provincial coordination to protect companies and arrest the suspects.
He confirmed that 145 arrests had been made in Punjab and 15 in Islamabad, with 12 signed registered.
The detainees, he said, expressed regret and sought forgiveness.
In response to political participation reports, Chaudhry said investigations showed that no party organized violence.
“No political or religious party requested these acts. Some people may have acted on their own,” he said, added that the clergy had issued decrees labeling as non -Islamic.
He also pointed out the impact on Pakistan’s investment climate. “Investors are our crown,” he said. “We are taking all the measures to defend the law and protect the livelihoods of thousands.”
Police said the suspects were tracked using CCTV images, while additional security measures had been implemented in commercial locations.
