Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has come under scrutiny after taking part in the opening of a pizza restaurant in Sialkot that later turned out to be operating under the Pizza Hut name without permission. Photographs and video from the event show the minister standing beside local guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. However, the popular fast food chain Pizza Hut Pakistan has since clarified that the location is not an official outlet of the brand.
In a public notice, Pizza Hut Pakistan said the Sialkot restaurant has no connection with its licensed business or with Yum! Brands, the global owner of the Pizza Hut franchise. The company added that the outlet does not follow Pizza Hut’s international recipes, quality checks, or food safety standards.
“Pizza Hut Pakistan informs customers that an unauthorized outlet falsely using the Pizza Hut name and branding has recently opened in Sialkot Cantonment,” the statement read. It also said the matter has been formally reported to the relevant authorities.
Pizza Hut’s spokesperson stressed that the fake outlet is not affiliated with any official franchise agreement. The company said it has lodged a legal complaint to address what it described as trademark misuse.
The incident quickly drew attention on social media. Many users questioned how a senior federal minister could take part in opening a commercial venue without verifying its authenticity. Others mocked the mix-up online, with some calling the episode embarrassing for government leadership.
So far, authorities have not commented publicly on any investigation into the unauthorized outlet. In past years, Pizza Hut had expanded its presence in Pakistan, with dozens of official stores across major cities under local franchise management.
The controversy highlights ongoing challenges around brand protection and regulatory enforcement in Pakistan’s retail and food sectors. It also raises fresh questions about due diligence in official functions and the responsibility of public figures when engaging with private businesses in local communities.