Police in Pakistan have detained nearly 180 people following a series of incidents involving KFC restaurants in several major cities.

Police confirmed at least 11 cases where KFC outlets were targeted and vandalised by groups of people in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and other locations. The events have led to increased security measures around several branches, particularly in Lahore, where two incidents occurred and five others were prevented.

Neither KFC nor its parent company, Yum Brands, both based in the United States, commented on the situation.

In one separate incident, a KFC employee was fatally shot by unknown individuals at a store on the outskirts of Lahore. Police stated that no protest was taking place at the time, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive.

Faisal Kamran, a senior Lahore police officer, reported that 11 people were arrested in the city, including one individual associated with the religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). He clarified, however, that the incidents were not officially organised by the group.

A TLP spokesperson, Rehan Mohsin Khan, stated the party had encouraged a boycott of certain products but had not called for protests outside KFC locations. He added that any actions by individuals claiming party ties were not in line with the organisation’s official position.

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