Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif inaugurates fake Pizza Hut, company issues statement

Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif inaugurates fake Pizza Hut, company issues statement

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif found himself at the centre of controversy after attending the inauguration of a Pizza Hut-branded outlet in Sialkot Cantonment, only for the company to later declare it “unauthorised and fraudulent.”

Photos and videos from the event showed Asif cutting the ribbon amid floral arrangements and applause, smiling for cameras at the formal ceremony. However, Pizza Hut Pakistan quickly issued a statement distancing itself from the outlet. “Pizza Hut Pakistan informs our valued customers that an unauthorised outlet falsely using the Pizza Hut name and branding has recently opened in Sialkot Cantonment,” the company said.

The statement added, “This outlet is not associated with Pizza Hut Pakistan, or Yum! Brands. It does not follow Pizza Hut International recipes, quality protocols, food safety and operational standards. We have formally filed a complaint with the relevant authorities to stop the misuse of our trademark and ensure immediate action.”

The incident quickly went viral on social media, with many users mocking the Defence Minister. “One ribbon cut, one statement issued. That has to be some kind of record,” one user wrote, while another joked, “When even Pizza Hut says ‘Not our slice of the pie.’” Other users drew humorous comparisons to political missteps, including one quipping, “From national security to pizza security, turns out the latter needed better verification.”

While some defended Asif, arguing the outlet appeared operational and genuine, most Pakistanis expressed outrage. One X user commented, “Fake minister, fake pizza outlet,” while another wrote, “After losing his MNA seat from Sialkot, Khawaja Asif who became a fake MNA has now arrived to inaugurate a fake Pizza Hut. What a fool!”

The episode has sparked debate over whether political figures should verify franchise licenses before participating in business inaugurations, raising questions about due diligence in high-profile events.