Karachi Bakery Vandalised in India, but did the Brand have any Links to Pakistan?

Following the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, members of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vandalised the Karachi Bakery branch in Shamshabad, Hyderabad, on May 10, 2025. It is an example of escalating nationalist sentiments and tensions between India and Pakistan, part of a larger pattern of political and cultural sensitivity in the region.

Background of Karachi Bakery

Karachi Bakery, which was founded by the Lala family in 1953, is a well-known Indian brand for many items. Although named after the city of Karachi in Pakistan, the bakery has no affiliation with Pakistan whatsoever and is purely an Indian-owned enterprise. The name was adopted to pay tribute to the Sindhi heritage of the family prior to the India-Pakistan partition in 1947. Although the bakery is cherished for its baked items, the name has at times incited controversy during times of political tension.

The Vandalism Incident

The protest took place at 3 p.m. on May 10 when a contingent of BJP workers assembled outside the bakery, shouting anti-Pakistan slogans. The protesters, draped in saffron shawls, vandalised the signboard of the bakery, employing sticks to profane the signage and tread on Pakistani flags. The police soon responded, arresting the protesters, but they were released after the owner of the bakery refused to lodge a complaint. No staff were injured, and the destruction was limited to the signboard.

 

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This act of vandalism indicates the nationalist enthusiasm in India, particularly among BJP-aligned elements. It illustrates how even companies with no political motive can fall victim because they are viewed as being sympathetic to Pakistan. Unfortunately, it shows that in today’s day, names, symbols, or historical links to Pakistan can fuel public hate.

Underlying Causes

The attack is attributed to India-Pakistan tensions, fueled by the attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir. On April 22, 2025, 26 Kashmiri civilians were killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, for which India later blamed Pakistan. This triggered missile battles between the two nations, further increasing tensions. During these moments, companies with any linkage to Pakistan, even if merely a name, become subjects of political demonstrations in India.

Read More: India Faces Growing Diplomatic Isolation Following the Pahalgam Attack Narrative

Impact on the Community

Although the direct damage was limited to a signboard, the impact on the community runs deeper. Karachi Bakery has been part of Hyderabad for decades. It is a family business and a symbol of cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. The attack sends a message that businesses, even those with no political ties, can be affected by larger geopolitical tensions.

The incident has sparked debates about nationalism and cultural identity. Some nationalists argue that businesses with ties to Pakistan should be shut down. Others see the attack as an overreaction that harms India’s image of tolerance. Pakistan’s example in the same case should be noted as Bombay Bakery in Hyderabad, Pakistan, is a Bakery named after an Indian city, but is still safe and sound.

Now the question is: Is India becoming too intolerant, was it always like that? 

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