In an embarrassing development, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif inaugurated a restaurant in Sialkot that was operating under the Pizza Hut name, only for the global food chain to later clarify that the outlet was unauthorised and fake.
Photos and videos of the inauguration ceremony, showing the minister cutting a ribbon outside a Pizza Hut–branded outlet, quickly went viral on social media. The incident triggered widespread criticism after Pizza Hut Pakistan issued an official clarification distancing itself from the restaurant.
Pizza Hut: “This Outlet Is Not Ours”
Soon after the controversy erupted, Pizza Hut Pakistan stated that the Sialkot outlet has no connection with the brand and is illegally using its name, logo, and branding. The company confirmed that the restaurant is not an authorised franchise and violates trademark and brand usage rules.
According to the statement, Pizza Hut has initiated legal action against the operators of the outlet for misuse of its trademark and misleading customers.
Political and Public Backlash
The incident sparked sharp reactions online, with many users questioning how a senior federal minister could inaugurate a commercial establishment without verifying its authenticity. Critics called the episode a reflection of weak due diligence and administrative oversight.
Several commentators also highlighted the reputational risk such incidents pose to both the government and international brands operating in Pakistan.
Silence from the Minister
As of now, Khawaja Asif has not issued a detailed public response explaining how the unauthorised outlet received official attention. No clarification has been given on whether any action will be taken against those responsible for misrepresenting the brand.
Bigger Questions on Trademark Enforcement
The controversy has once again drawn attention to the misuse of international brand names in Pakistan and the challenges faced by global companies in enforcing intellectual property rights at the local level.
For Pizza Hut, the company reiterated that customers should rely only on verified and officially listed outlets to avoid being misled.