The controversy erupted after photographs and videos of the inauguration ceremony went viral online. In the footage, Asif is seen cutting a ribbon and posing outside the outlet, which prominently displayed the Pizza Hut branding. The event was reportedly held in Sialkot Cantonment, where the outlet had begun operations claiming to be part of the global pizza chain.
Within hours, Pizza Hut Pakistan issued a formal clarification, stating that the Sialkot restaurant was not an authorised franchise. In its statement, the company said the outlet had no connection with Pizza Hut Pakistan or Pizza Hut International and did not comply with the brand’s recipes, food safety standards, quality controls or operational protocols.
The company further alleged that its trademark and brand identity were being misused. It confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged with the relevant authorities and demanded immediate action to prevent further unauthorised use of the Pizza Hut name.
The episode quickly became a flashpoint on social media platform X, where users mocked the defence minister for inaugurating what was described as a “fake” franchise. Several posts questioned how a senior cabinet minister could publicly endorse an unauthorised business. One widely shared comment read, “When Pizza Hut itself says this is not our slice,” while others criticised what they called a lack of due diligence.
Pizza Hut Pakistan also clarified that it currently operates 16 official outlets across the country—14 in Lahore and two in Islamabad. Sialkot does not feature on the list of authorised locations, reinforcing the company’s assertion that the outlet inaugurated by Asif was unaffiliated.
The incident has embarrassed the government at a time when public scrutiny of political leadership remains high. While Khawaja Asif has not issued a public response so far, the episode has sparked debate over accountability, brand misuse and the responsibilities of public officials at official and semi-official events.
Pizza Hut, founded in 1958 in Kansas, United States, is a global fast-food brand operating in more than 100 countries. It is owned by Yum! Brands, which also manages KFC and Taco Bell. The company’s strong reaction underscores the sensitivity surrounding trademark protection and brand reputation in international markets.
