Worker killed in attack on fast-food outlet in Sheikhupura

In a tragic incident, a fast-food outlet in Sheikhupura became the latest target of an attack by religious zealots, leading to the murder of an employee and significant property damage on April 14. 

The Punjab Police are facing criticism for their inability to provide adequate security to international food chain businesses in the region, as the suspects remain at large.

Dawn reported citing Sheikhupura Regional Police Officer (RPO) Athar Ismail as saying that two individuals approached the outlet, and one of them opened fire from outside, hitting a worker inside. The employee, identified as 45-year-old Asif Nawaz from Khan Colony, was shot while working in the kitchen. 

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Nawaz succumbed to his injuries.

An FIR has been registered under sections 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Forensic experts from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) were called to assist with evidence collection and analysis. 

RPO explained that the attack took place after a religious party had organised an anti-Israel protest earlier in the day. The party had assured police and local authorities that the protests would remain peaceful, and they had dispersed by the time of the shooting.

The police, alongside intelligence agencies, launched a search operation in Sheikhupura, arresting 40 suspects in connection with violent protests. However, the prime suspect responsible for the murder remains unapprehended.

Following the attack, additional security measures were implemented at other outlets of the fast-food chain. This latest incident follows an earlier mob attack on another fast-food branch in Lahore’s DHA Phase IV, which led to significant damage. Eleven suspects were arrested in connection with that attack.

Last week, a violent mob attacked a KFC outlet in Mirpurkhas, Sindh, following similar assaults on KFC and Domino’s outlets in Karachi.