Boycotts That Harm Our Own People:

Rethinking Our Response

Amanullah Khan Ayubi 



In recent years, a strange and deeply concerning trend has gained momentum in Pakistan: the widespread call to boycott various international products, particularly those allegedly linked to Israel۔


There is no doubt that the world has watched in horror as the Gaza Strip has been devastated by Israeli military aggression. The death toll, destruction, and suffering of innocent civilians, particularly children, cannot and should not be ignored. Solidarity with Palestinians is a moral duty for all Muslims and humane individuals. But the way we express this solidarity must be grounded in logic, strategy, and a clear understanding of the consequences of our actions.


Boycotting certain international brands, whose franchises and outlets are legally and operationally run by Pakistani citizens, is not a blow to foreign powers; it's a blow to our own economy. These businesses, operating under licenses and franchises, are owned by local investors and entrepreneurs. They employ millions of Pakistanis from skilled professionals to unskilled laborers. A sudden boycott not only risks shutting down these businesses but also leads to massive job losses at a time when our economy is already fragile and unemployment is rising.


We must ask ourselves: whom are we really hurting? Are we making a dent in Israel’s economy by boycotting a coffee shop in Lahore or a fast-food outlet in Karachi? Or are we simply making life harder for fellow Pakistanis who rely on these jobs to feed their families?


It is also important to recognize that products from multinational companies are often manufactured within Pakistan, in factories employing thousands. The ripple effect of a boycott can be devastating, affecting not only those directly employed by these brands but also suppliers, transporters, vendors, and local businesses that rely on these networks.


Moreover, launching campaigns against our own national institutions, such as the Pakistan Army, is equally troubling. Our armed forces are the backbone of national security and have sacrificed immensely for the protection of this country. Criticism and accountability are part of a democratic society, but blanket boycotts or hatred against institutions create division and weaken the fabric of the nation.


We must advocate for justice and peace through smarter, more effective means. We can raise our voices against oppression, support humanitarian causes, donate to credible organizations, and spread awareness without destroying our own economy or endangering the livelihoods of millions.


Let us act with both heart and mind. Emotional reactions without foresight can lead to long-term damage. The people of Pakistan deserve better; they deserve thoughtful leadership, responsible activism, and a society that cares about its own people as much as it does about those abroad.