- Pakistan suffering from attacks against food chains, explains Bokhari.
- Said no one will be allowed to create a public order situation.
- 149 suspects involved in attacks against arrested food chains, she adds.
Punjab Minister of Information Azma Bokhari said on Sunday that recent attacks on international fast food chains across the country were carried out as part of an organized plan.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the provincial information minister firmly condemned attacks and said that the properties of people were damaged.
“There are 25,000 Pakistani people employed in these food chains. The person who died in attacks against the food chain was also a Pakistanis,” said the minister, adding that the country suffered from attacks against the food chain.
“Attacks take place in Punjab as part of an organized plan,” she added.
Bokhari warned that no one would be authorized to create a situation of public order in the country. She added that 149 suspects involved in attacks against food chains had been placed in police custody.
“A violent group puts attacks on the development of Punjab,” added the minister.
Govt promises a strict action against attackers
One day earlier, the Minister of State in the Interior Talal Chaudhry condemned recent attacks on food chains, warning that the state would take strict measures against those involved.
Speaking at a press conference in Faisalabad, Talal said that the government was not neglected in its responsibilities and would not guarantee that no one who invests in Pakistan would not feel safe.
“The state is not unconscious of its functions. It is unacceptable that those who provide investments in Pakistan are faced with such attacks,” he said.
Referring to recent incidents, the minister revealed that nearly 20 attacks had occurred on private restaurants, mainly foreign fast food chains, in various cities.
He said that once the attackers were apprehended, many asked for forgiveness and expressed their regret. “The arrested people are ashamed of what they did and apologized,” said Talal.
The Minister also declared that no political party had claimed responsibility or supported violence, distancing themselves from events.
In recent days, a series of attacks on international restaurants in the food chain has been reported across Pakistan.