Hyderabad: Karachi Bakery paste India Flag over brand to clear misconception

Hyderabad: One of Hyderabad’s most famous and oldest confectionery brands — Karachi Bakery — is facing an identity crisis because of its name, in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 25 Indian civilians were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists on April 22, 2025.

On May 7, when India’s Tri-Defence Forces retaliated and bombed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, the Hyderabad-based brand — named after a city in Pakistan — began feeling the heat. This isn’t the first time the bakery has faced backlash; similar protests occurred during the Pulwama attack.

It's not just in Hyderabad — a group called Janajagrana Samithi protested outside Karachi Bakery in Vizag on May 6, demanding that the establishment change its name. They objected to the use of ‘Karachi,’ linking it to Pakistan.

Following the protest, police bandobast was arranged at some of the Karachi Bakery branches. "The bakery owners were advised to put up the national flag above the name 'Karachi'," police told NewsMeter.

Full Statement from Karachi Bakery:

"We would like to clarify that Karachi Bakery was founded by Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated to India during the Partition. The brand was established in 1953 and is an Indian company based in Hyderabad. The popularity and love for our products have contributed to our growth across India and abroad.

The essence of Karachi Bakery is absolutely Indian at heart and will remain so. We request everyone to refrain from misconceptions."

Karachi Bakery has around 15 branches in Hyderabad.

Speaking to NewsMeter, a senior police officer on condition of anonymity said, "As part of 'Operation Abhyaas', we deployed sufficient personnel at Rasoolpura — including civil defence personnel, police, and fire and emergency services — to demonstrate evacuation, emergency coordination, and rescue procedures during emergencies."

When asked why police personnel were specifically deployed at Karachi Bakery, the officer said, "Amid the patriotic sentiments following Operation Sindoor, there may be chances of certain groups creating trouble at the bakery premises, like what happened in Vizag. To avoid such incidents, we deployed a few personnel near Karachi Bakery."

Additionally, an employee of Karachi Bakery told NewsMeter, "Following instructions from our management, Indian flags have been placed above the store. No complaint has been lodged yet."