Karachi Bakery, a well-known sweet shop in Hyderabad, is facing backlash due to its name, which references Karachi, a city in Pakistan. The protests erupted as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise following recent military actions by India.
The bakery has been in business since 1953 and is a respected brand in India. In response to the protests, the company issued a statement clarifying its roots. “Karachi Bakery is completely Indian. It was founded in Hyderabad, and our name reflects our founders’ origins, not our allegiance,” the statement read. They asked the public to recognize their long-standing commitment to Indian values and products.
The protests come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a military campaign launched by the Indian Air Force. As part of this operation, India carried out airstrikes on terror training camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes targeted nine locations, including bases used by militant groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
These strikes were a direct response to a terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, two weeks earlier. That attack claimed the lives of 26 people, triggering nationwide outrage and a call for action.
In the aftermath, several Indian states near the border — including Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat — have ramped up security. Authorities have banned public gatherings, shut down schools and colleges, and increased patrols in sensitive areas to prevent unrest.
Despite the tension, Karachi Bakery continues to stand by its Indian identity. The owners hope people will look beyond the name and support a business that has served generations of Indians with pride and dedication.