The fears that the attacks of the mafia against international fast food franchises would end in tragedy have come true, after the police say that a worker of a foreign chain was shot dead in Sheikhupura earlier this week.
The murder occurred after an Anti-Israel TLP protest was over. The law agents say that two men attacked a foreign chain, shooting shots from the outside, which resulted in the death of Asif Nawaz, a restaurant worker who, according to the reports, was present in the kitchen of the exit.
Previously, several foreign restaurants in several cities and towns of Sindh and Punjab had been destroyed by mobs; The disturbing images on social networks show men armed with clubs that invade a departure in Rawalpindi, while workers and customers, including women and children, run into. All this is apparently in solidarity with Palestine.
However, the murder and intimidation of innocent people only join the fair Palestinian cause. The authorities must take energetic measures against this violent behavior before more tragedies occur.
Unfortunately, extremist sets are using the name of Palestine to stay relevant in society. Some of the groups involved have also been attacking religious minorities, particularly in Punjab. The attacks against the media have continued, despite the fact that the leading clergymen asked people who keep peaceful boycots. It cannot be denied that Israel is carrying out a genocidal war in Gaza.
However, it is indefensible to kill innocent people and the attacking companies that support the Zionist State.
Consumers are free of non -violently boycott brands that feel they can support Israel. But there can be no space for the fierce vigilantism of extremist groups, which use emotional problems to remain in the headlines. These same groups also put together the sensitive theme of blasphemy to forward their dark agendas.
The State must arrest and bring to justice those involved in the murder of Sheikhupura, while the elements involved in the attack of restaurants in other places must also track and punish. There can be no tolerance for such vile behavior.
Posted in Dawn, April 17, 2025
