Protest Erupts Against Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad: "Not a Pakistani Brand"
A controversy has erupted in Hyderabad over a popular bakery named after Karachi, a city in Sindh province in neighbouring Pakistan. Protests broke out in the city, with demonstrators claiming that the bakery is being targeted due to its name. The bakery’s owner has clarified that it was founded in Hyderabad in 1953 by Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated to India during the Partition.
According to a video shared by PTI, the bakery owner is heard saying, "Karachi Bakery was founded here in Hyderabad in 1953 by Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated to India during the Partition. It has been 73 years. Our grandfather named it after Karachi as he came to India after Partition." The owner appealed for support, adding, "We request chief minister A Revanth Reddy and senior officers of the administration to prevent any change in the name. People are putting up Tricolour in the outlets of the bakery across the city. Kindly support us as we are an Indian brand and not a Pakistani brand."
The protests come amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Following India’s pre-dawn airstrikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ on nine terror facilities, including launchpads in both mainland Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), border states Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat have been placed on high alert. Authorities have cancelled public gatherings, closed educational institutions, and stepped up security in sensitive zones.
The airstrikes were carried out two weeks after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. According to reports, the operation targeted key bases of Pakistan-based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.
The Karachi Bakery, which has been a popular institution in Hyderabad for over seven decades, has been a target of protests and demonstrations in the past few days. The bakery’s management has been trying to clarify that it is an Indian brand and not affiliated with any Pakistani entity.
As reported by The Times of India, the bakery’s owner has been trying to reassure customers and the administration that the bakery is not a Pakistani brand. The incident highlights the sensitive nature of India-Pakistan relations and the impact it has on businesses and institutions.
In a bid to quell the controversy, the bakery’s management has been appealing to the administration and the public to support them. As per The Times of India, the bakery owner stated, "We are an Indian brand and not a Pakistani brand. We request the administration to take necessary steps to prevent any harm to our business."
The incident has sparked a wider debate on social media, with many calling for calm and urging people not to target businesses with names that may be perceived as Pakistani. Others have been quick to point out that the bakery has been a part of Hyderabad’s culinary landscape for decades and has no connection with Pakistan.
The controversy highlights the challenges faced by businesses and institutions in India, particularly those with names or origins that may be perceived as foreign. As The Times of India reports, the incident has sparked a wider debate on the need for greater awareness and understanding of India’s diverse cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the protests against Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad have highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of India-Pakistan relations. As reported by The Times of India, the bakery’s management has been trying to reassure customers and the administration that the bakery is an Indian brand with no connection to Pakistan. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater understanding and awareness of India’s diverse cultural heritage.
