Is it really worth boycotting a brand that has 6,000+ employees in Pakistan?

Pakistan has been in economic crises and people living in the country are struggling with hyperinflation and limited opportunities for skilled employees – while this topic alone may need a spotlight on its own but it redirects to the idea of looking at the case of McDonald’s from a macro level and with a critical eye. Who knows, our minute of attention can bring a constructive perspective, let us do the good deed and support in the most reasonable way possible.

Let’s take a stepback and see how it started. Couple of days ago McDonald’s Israel published an image of offering complimentary meals to Israeli soliders and showing solidarity during the ongoing war crises. The news spread across the globe like fire. Many came forward and that’s how the boycott began. Countries such as Turkey, Pakistan and South Africa are now under massive global pressure and are caught in the midst of an act that they either don’t support or have zero association with. Operating in a franchising model, the operations and overall management of locally-owned enterprise comes entirely under local supervision which means the local market is responsible for their communication as well as their business decisions.

However, we have some school of thoughts over the boycotts but these two are the winners: (1) McDonald’s is a global corporation and they make money by charging an annual fee from their franchises and (2) an individual’s inner drive to support the right cause in the most accessible manner regardless of how relevant it may be. The war crises have evoked emotions of people all around the world and rightfully so., but emotions can minimize the holistic picture of consequences.

A couple of days back some people protested outside various branches of McDonald’s in Karachi. While the instant outlook of the scenario may seem fair but let’s take a look at the deeper picture – more than 90% of the McDonald’s Pakistan staff is crew members, security guards, janitorial staff and operations amongst which a very decent percentage is that of women. In a country where job opportunities and safety rules are big question marks, it may be worth reconsidering the ways we choose to help the ones caught in the war crises.

Many people presented the idea that reducing the spendings or banning McDonald’s as a whole is a way to support the people caught and losing lives in a war. A corporation as huge as McDonald’s is supporting the economic conditions of Pakistan in ways more than providing employment. McDonald’s Corporation, founded in US, is present in 100+ countries, and is one of the largest fast food chains. For countries like Pakistan, McDonald’s not only adds value to the economics conditions and the overall lifestyle of the people but it also introduces to newer resources, local business partnerships, introduces people to the world of hospitality and levels them up to the international standards.

One of the simplest act of togetherness is when Mr. Altamash, from McDonald’s Canada, came to Pakistan as a part of special cross-border collaboration and became a member of the crew.

But it doesn’t stop here. Pakistan is still new to supporting atheletes and empowering them to the world outside. With the presence of a strong international brand, many atheletes and foundations find ways to be able to become a part of international events such as Berlin Marathon and Vienna International Rowing Regatta – and take advantages of resources found abroad. 

The locally-owned McDonald’s Pakistan also came forward and showed their support to the Gaza crises by donating PKR 10 Million channeled through Edhi Foundation.

While no amount of money can be enough to recover and bandage the pain of the people going through war crises and are innocent victims to whats otherwise a disaster to humanity, there are ways to support without having to bring the loss of bread and butter of innocent people who wake up everyday and walk through protesting group of people just to earn money. One of the ways to begin with is to donate to medical aid for Palestinians. It may not end the war right away but may contribute to the bandages.