His confident ribbon-cutting and photo opportunity were promptly followed by a statement from Pizza Hut Pakistan declaring the outlet “unauthorised and fraudulent.”
The incident, which was recorded and widely circulated on social media, showcased Asif participating in the launch of the Pizza Hut-branded restaurant, which had the iconic red roof logo of the US-based food chain.
However, Pizza Hut Pakistan swiftly clarified that the outlet had no connection to the brand and did not adhere to the company’s quality and safety standards.
In an official statement, they conveyed, “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. 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.”
The company indicated that it had filed a complaint with the authorities to halt the misuse of its trademark and to ensure immediate action.
The incident triggered widespread mockery on social media, with users critiquing the lack of verification by officials before the event. Many questioned the competence of those involved, while others joked about the absurdity of the entire situation.
One user tweeted, “Pakistan’s Defence Minister inaugurates a fake Pizza Hut!!! When even fast food needs ‘plausible deniability’!”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister inaugurates a fake Pizza Hut!!!
When even fast food needs ‘plausible deniability’! pic.twitter.com/TOO4ACXODz— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) January 21, 2026
“Only in a country like Pakistan, the Defence Minister goes to inaugurate a Pizza Hut store… But the story does not end there; it was a fake Pizza Hut store,” another remarked.
Only in a country like Pakistan, the Defence Minister goes to inaugurate a Pizza Hut store…
But the story does not end there; it was a fake Pizza Hut store???????????? pic.twitter.com/bdnkWIrXih— Comman Man (@CommanMan777589) January 20, 2026
“Only in Pakistan can a Defence Minister proudly inaugurate a fake Pizza Hut. Khawaja Asif cut the ribbon, smiled for the cameras, and walked away—only for the brand to later declare the outlet unauthorised. No one can satirize this level of incompetence,” a user commented.
“Kuch asli baki reh geya hy ya nahi is soobay main? Ajeeb vahiyat log nafiz hain hum per (Is there any real thing left anymore in Pakistan? We have been bestowed with odd and useless folks?),” one individual lamented.
In their official statement, Pizza Hut Pakistan confirmed that they currently operate only 16 authorised stores across the nation—14 in Lahore and 2 in Islamabad.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
First Published: Jan 21, 2026 3:54 PM IST
