‘We were misled’: KFC attackers apologise for vandalism

Amid a series of attacks on multinational food-chains, particularly Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), by pro-Palestine activists, those involved in the attack and vandalism at KFC’s Sector E-11 branch in Islamabad have offered an apology, saying they were “misled”.

At a press conference held in the federal capital, the attackers stepped forth one by one and offered their apologies, with one introducing himself as Sher Badal, a resident of Rawalpindi. “I was there at the time of the attack. I was misled… and this won’t happen next time. I offer apologies to the government and the nation,” he said.

Another assailant, identified as Izzatutullah of Rawalpindi, said that he joined in when people attacked the global food chain. “To which I feel sorry,” he said.

One of the attackers, Mohammad Ijaz, said he was just following others. “What we did was very wrong. Whatever damage was done, it was a loss for Pakistan. I urge the youth to stay away from such tactics,” he added.

A mob had on April 15 attacked KFC’s outlet in Islamabad’s E-11/2. The incident had resulted in severe damage to the premises.

While similar attacks were also reported in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, and had resulted in at least one death, Islamabad police had issued a statement claiming that police had detained five for vandalism.

Videos on social media had also shown protesters forcefully entering the premises of the fast-food restaurant and forcing the staff to shut it down.