Recent controversy surrounding McDonald’s has sparked discussions after its Israeli franchise announced it was providing free meals to the Israeli army. This incident has led many consumers to question whether global brands should be held accountable for their involvement in humanitarian crises, particularly in Gaza.
The Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) movement is a non-violent campaign that encourages boycotting companies seen as complicit in the oppression of Palestinians.
How Brands Are Linked to the BDS Movement
Some international corporations have faced scrutiny for their business ties with Israel. For example, Hewlett-Packard (HP) has been accused of supporting Israeli surveillance operations through biometric ID systems. The BDS movement encourages ending international support for such practices and aims to pressure Israel to comply with international law.
Support for this initiative is growing in countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and others where the public shows strong solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Also read: McDonald’s suffers profit loss for first time in two years
Boycott Trends in Pakistan
In Pakistan, social media campaigns have called for boycotts of brands like Domino’s, Carrefour, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo. Some retailers have already responded to consumer pressure. For instance, the Imtiaz superstore chain in Karachi reportedly removed products linked to Israeli companies from their shelves.
Local restaurant chains have also taken action. Kababjees, for example, removed beverages like Pepsi and Coca Cola from its menu in support of the boycott movement.
Public Figures Supporting the Movement
Several Pakistani celebrities have publicly supported the boycott of brands identified by the BDS movement. Ushna Shah and Usman Khalid Butt are among those who have voiced their stance, raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis and promoting alternatives to the boycotted products.
Alternatives to Israeli Products in Pakistan
Consumers looking to support local businesses can choose Pakistani alternatives to international brands. Local soft drinks, snacks, and fast food chains provide options that are widely available and help reduce reliance on foreign products linked to controversial supply chains.
Here is a list of Israel products and their alternatives in Pakistan:
| Restaurants | Alternatives |
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| Cosmetics: | Alternatives |
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| Cold Drinks: | Alternatives |
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| Chocolates & Spreads: | Alternatives |
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| Icecream: | Alternatives |
| Walls |
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| Tea & Coffee: | Alternatives |
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| Juices: | Alternatives |
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| Dairy Products: | Alternatives |
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| Water: | Alternatives |
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| Noodles & Pasta: | Alternatives |
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| Shampoos: | Alternatives |
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| Toothpaste: | Alternatives |
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| Body Care: | Alternatives |
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| Detergents: | Alternatives |
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