The minister's confident ribbon-cutting and photo-op were swiftly followed by Pizza Hut Pakistan's statement calling the outlet “unauthorised and fraudulent".
The incident, captured on camera and shared widely on social media, showed Asif participating in the launch of the Pizza Hut-branded restaurant, complete with the US-based food chain’s signature red roof logo.
However,Pizza Hut Pakistan quickly clarified that the outlet was not affiliated with the brand, nor did it meet the company's quality and safety standards.
In an official statement, it clarified, "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 said it had filed a complaint with the authorities to stop the misuse of its trademark and ensure immediate action.
The incident sparked widespread ridicule on social media, with users mocking the lack of verification by the administration before the event. Many questioned the competence of the officials involved, while others joked about the absurdity of the 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 story does not end there, it was a fake Pizza Hut store," another said.
Only in a country like Pakistan , the Defence Minister goes to inaugrate a Pizza Hut store…
But 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 cameras, and walked away—only for the brand to later declare the outlet unauthorised. No one can parody this level of incompetence,” a user shared.
“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 weird and useless folks?),” an individual said.
In their official statement, Pizza Hut Pakistan confirmed that they currently operate only 16 authorised stores nationwide - 14 in Lahore and 2 in Islamabad.
