By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prominent Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani on Thursday urged Pakistanis to boycott Israeli-linked goods peacefully, condemning a spate of violent attacks on international fast-food outlets that prompted police to invoke anti-terrorism laws and detain dozens of suspects this week.
Usmani, a former judge of Pakistan’s Federal Shariat Court, called for restraint during a conference in Islamabad focused on Israel’s war in Gaza. “Islam forbids harming lives or property. Islam is a religion of balance. It does not permit vandalism or harming others driven by emotions.”
He condemned Israel’s military campaign in Gaza but stressed that boycotts must adhere to Islamic principles of non-violence. “Boycott [Israel-linked goods] peacefully. Any unrest is forbidden under Shariah.”
Usmani’s appeal followed mob attacks on outlets including KFC—a chain not targeted by the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement—in cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Mirpurkhas.
In Lahore’s upscale Defence Housing Authority (DHA), a mob hurled stones at a fast-food chain on Wednesday, shattering windows. Social media footage showed crowds attacking the Phase IV location, a commercial hub for international brands.
Police arrested 10 activists of the hardline Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Tuesday in Karachi after a mob ransacked a KFC in DHA.
Officers also thwarted an attempted raid by 100 religious party members on an M-9 motorway outlet Wednesday evening. On Thursday, Karachi police baton-charged a mob of 40–60 people storming a KFC in Korangi’s industrial area, detaining 10 suspects.
“Swift action prevented major damage,” Senior Superintendent of Police Mohammed Tariq Nawaz told journalists.
In Mirpurkhas, miscreants set a restaurant ablaze late Tuesday, officials said. Separately, Larkana police charged eight suspects under anti-terrorism laws for stoning a KFC overnight. A statement confirmed charges under Sections 6 and 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and multiple penal code provisions, including assault on public servants.
Usmani linked violent tactics to risks of civil discord, urging activists to “persuade leaders peacefully to meet their obligations” rather than incite conflict. “Taking up arms against Muslim governments is unacceptable. Civil wars have ravaged our nations,” he said.
The BDS movement, launched in 2005 by Palestinian civil society, has gained momentum globally during Israel’s Gaza offensive. Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has seen public anger manifest in scattered protests. However, attacks on businesses unrelated to BDS lists—like KFC—have raised concerns over misplaced targeting.
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