Incidents of violence against a popular international fast food chain in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, are a cause for serious concern. These attacks by a handful of people, claiming the right to destroy all things Israel, to show solidarity with the Palestinians trapped in Gaza — amount to vigilante justice.

Also, these incidents show that some of us aren’t capable of thinking — and acting — rationally.

Most of the protesters are probably unaware that KFC-Pakistan is not directly linked to Israel. KFC is an American fast food chain. Delicious Holdings, a UAE-based company, currently holds the master franchise rights for KFC in Pakistan. Yum! Brands, KFC’s parent company, operates in Israel and has made investments in companies there. They have no direct connection with the Israeli military or government. Yum! Brands denies supporting them.

Pakistan has no less than 128 KFC outlets. The food chain has been contributing to the country’s economy. It employs thousands of workers. These jobs are a relief for people in a country plagued by hyperinflation and economic challenges.

There’s another side to this. A LinkedIn member recently shared a story of how his deaf-and-mute friend was looking for a job but he wouldn’t get one. Eventually, he was approached by one of KFC Pakistan’s HR managers who then hired him.

The fast food chain has been a strong supporter of individuals with disabilities, especially those with hearing impairment. They not only include the deaf in their workforce, they also provide education to their children with help from trusted partners.

Pakistan has 128 outlets of KFC. The food chain has been contributing to the country’s economy. It employs thousands of workers.

These facts are overlooked by people who are quick to react, and wouldn’t pause to reflect on what they are doing, or inquire about what’s going on.

This isn’t the first time that KFC-Pakistan has been targeted. In 2005, too, anti-American protests had targeted the fast food chain. Six people were killed after its Gulshan-i-Iqbal branch was set on fire.

It’s high time we told our people about the consequences of their actions. Harassing people who are there just to have some food and good time with their family and abusing restaurant workers is not civilised behaviour.

Those wishing to support the Palestinian people in Gaza should consider sending donations and protesting in front of government offices. The people at KFC — both customers and employees — have nothing to do with Israel’s military. They also have no say in international politics whatsoever.

Incidents of mob violence hurt me no end. They also push me to question the motivations of the perpetrators. I have come to the conclusion that these actions imitate the cruel acts of the Israeli army and government — the ones the protest is apparently against.

Ayma Khakwani is a freelance writer