Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif inaugurated a restaurant operating under the Pizza Hut name in Sialkot, which was later found to be an unauthorised outlet not affiliated with the official Pizza Hut franchise.
The incident came to light after Pizza Hut Pakistan issued an official statement clarifying that the restaurant located in Sialkot Cantonment had no permission to use the Pizza Hut name or branding. The company stated that the outlet was operating without authorisation and was misusing the brand identity.
Khawaja Asif had travelled to Sialkot to inaugurate the restaurant, where he formally opened the outlet by cutting a ribbon. Photographs from the event were circulated locally, presenting the opening as the launch of an international brand franchise.
Following the company’s clarification, the matter drew widespread attention on social media platforms, where users shared reactions and commentary regarding the incident and the minister’s participation in the inauguration.
Pizza Hut Pakistan said the unauthorised outlet was using its name and branding improperly and advised customers to remain cautious and rely only on official outlets. The statement did not recognise the Sialkot restaurant as part of its authorised network.
The episode has prompted questions on social media regarding the verification process followed before the inauguration of commercial outlets and has brought renewed focus on the issue of unauthorised use of international brand names in Pakistan.
