Pakistan Defense Minister Inaugurates ‘Fake’ Pizza Hut; Company Denies Any Link as Social Media Trolls Erupt.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has landed in a bizarre controversy. He inaugurated an outlet bearing the Pizza Hut brand in Sialkot Cantonment. However, just hours later, Pizza Hut declared the outlet to be fake.

After pictures and videos of the inauguration went viral on social media, Pizza Hut Pakistan issued a statement clarifying that it had no connection to the outlet.

The viral pictures and videos show Khawaja Asif cutting the ribbon at the outlet in Sialkot Cantonment. He is also seen posing for the camera with scissors in his hand.

Asif becomes a target of jokes on social media

As soon as the matter came to light, people started making fun of it on the social media platform X. One user wrote, "Defense Minister Khawaja Asif inaugurated a fake Pizza Hut franchise in Sialkot. These foolish old men have been imposed upon us."

Another user jokingly wrote, "When Pizza Hut itself says, 'This is not our slice.'"

Pizza Hut alleges misuse of its brand

Pizza Hut Pakistan issued a statement saying that the restaurant opened in Sialkot Cantonment is misusing the Pizza Hut name and brand.

The company said,

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This outlet is not associated with us and does not adhere to Pizza Hut International's recipes, quality protocols, food safety, and operational standards.

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The company also stated that it has filed a formal complaint with the relevant authorities to prevent the misuse of its trademark and has demanded immediate action.

According to the company, it currently has a total of 16 official outlets in Pakistan. Of these, 14 are in Lahore and two are in Islamabad.

Pizza Hut has outlets in more than 100 countries

Pizza Hut, a world-renowned food chain, is an international pizza restaurant brand. Known for its pizzas, pasta, and fast food items, it has outlets in more than 100 countries worldwide. Pizza Hut was founded in 1958 in Kansas, USA. It was started by two brothers, Dan and Frank Carney, as a small pizza store, which later grew into a global brand.

Pizza Hut is owned by Yum! Brands, a major American food company. Yum! Brands also owns other large brands such as KFC and Taco Bell.