Pakistan Defence Minister Inaugurates Fake Pizza Hut, Brand Issues Disclaimer
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif faced widespread online ridicule after inaugurating what turned out to be a counterfeit Pizza Hut outlet in Sialkot. The viral video of the ribbon-cutting ceremony triggered a major social media storm and an official disclaimer from the global fast-food giant.
Key Takeaways
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif inaugurated a fake Pizza Hut outlet in Sialkot.
- Pizza Hut Pakistan issued a statement confirming the outlet was unauthorised and that legal action is being taken.
- The video sparked massive trolling and memes, raising questions about verification processes.
Viral Video and Brand Clarification
A video showing Khawaja Asif cutting the ribbon in front of a restaurant bearing “Pizza Hut” signage quickly went viral. Social media users were the first to identify the outlet as fake.
The international chain soon confirmed these suspicions. Pizza Hut Pakistan released an official statement distancing itself from the unauthorised establishment.
In a statement, Pizza Hut Pakistan clarified, “We would like to clarify that the Pizza Hut outlet inaugurated in Sialkot is not an authentic Pizza Hut restaurant. We are taking necessary legal action against the unauthorised use of our brand.”
Social Media Backlash and Questions
The incident became a major source of memes and jokes online, with netizens mocking the minister for inaugurating a counterfeit business. The episode raised serious questions about the lack of basic verification before a high-profile political event, highlighting an embarrassing oversight.
Many users questioned how such a lapse could occur, turning a routine inauguration into a national talking point about due diligence and brand integrity.
