Several men arrested for vandalizing a branch of a foreign fast food chain have publicly expressed remorse for their actions, claiming they were not affiliated with any political party and urging others not to participate in violent protests.

The police presented the suspects before the media on Saturday, where they admitted their mistake and issued a heartfelt apology.

“We are ashamed of what we did. We have no connection with any party,” said one of the suspects. “I apologise to the public and request everyone to stay away from such destructive protests,” another added, noting that local workers are employed at such outlets and should not suffer due to others’ actions.

The incident, which involved damage to property at a well-known international food chain and the death of a worker, sparked condemnation and led to legal proceedings.

Bail granted by local court

Civil Judge Mumtaz Hanjra granted bail to all the suspects, including Naseem Ahmed, Zahid Javed, Khizr Hayat, Mansoor Ahmed, Tausif Ahmed, and Kamran alias Kami. The court ordered each of them to submit surety bonds worth Rs25,000.

Concerns over investigation

The defence lawyer argued that none of the suspects were originally named in the FIR and were instead included later during the investigation report stage. “The investigation officer failed to explain how the suspects were named,” the lawyer said.

The lawyer also highlighted flaws in the identification process, stating that while the fast food outlet had CCTV cameras installed, the suspects were not clearly visible in the footage. “According to NADRA, there was no facial match or identification from the CCTV footage,” the lawyer added.

Also Read: Over 170 arrested for attacks on restaurant chain against US, Israel

A day ago, officials had said that police arrested scores of people across the country after more than 10 mob attacks on outlets of US fast-food chain KFC, sparked by anti-United States sentiment and opposition to its ally Israel's war in Gaza.

Police in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, confirmed at least 11 incidents in which KFC outlets were attacked by protesters armed with sticks and vandalised. At least 178 people were arrested, the officials said this week.

A police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said one KFC employee was shot and killed this week in a store in Sheikhupura by unknown gunmen. The official added there was no protest at the time and they were investigating whether the killing was motivated by political sentiment or some other reason.

In Lahore, police said they were ramping up security at 27 KFC outlets around the city after two attacks took place and five others were prevented.

"We are investigating the role of different individuals and groups in these attacks," said Faisal Kamran, a senior police officer in Lahore, adding that 11 people, including a member of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), were arrested in the city. He added the protests were not officially organised by TLP.

TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan said the group "has urged Muslims to boycott Israeli products, but it has not given any call for protest outside KFC".

"If any other person claiming to be a TLP leader or activist has indulged in such activity, it should be taken as his personal act which has nothing to do with the party’s policy," said Khan.