Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy after attending the inauguration of what was believed to be a Pizza Hut outlet in Sialkot. The event, marked by a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and attended with full official decorum, initially appeared to be a routine public appearance. However, it soon turned into a viral embarrassment after the global food chain distanced itself from the outlet.
Videos and photographs of the ceremony quickly circulated on social media, showing the senior Pakistani leader participating in the inauguration amid applause and flashing cameras. The visuals drew attention not for the event itself, but for what followed hours later. Pizza Hut Pakistan issued an official clarification stating that the outlet inaugurated by the defence minister was not authorised to operate under its brand name.
In its statement, Pizza Hut Pakistan informed customers that an unauthorised outlet had been falsely using the company’s name and branding in Sialkot Cantonment. The company confirmed that it had formally approached the relevant authorities to stop the misuse of its trademark and to ensure immediate corrective action.
The clarification triggered a wave of reactions online, with social media users in Pakistan expressing embarrassment over the incident, while Indian netizens responded with sarcasm and humour. Several comments mocked the situation, with one user remarking, “Aur inko Kashmir chahiye,” while another quipped that for Pakistan, “a day without humiliation is a day wasted.”
Some users also revisited Khawaja Asif’s earlier statements, recalling a past instance when he cited social media posts as evidence for military claims, further fuelling criticism and memes. The incident rapidly became a trending topic, with edited clips, captions, and commentary spreading across platforms.
While the episode may appear minor, political observers note that such incidents can affect public perception, especially when they involve senior ministers. In an age where optics, credibility, and brand awareness play a significant role in public life, even symbolic missteps can attract disproportionate attention.
As of the time of publication, Khawaja Asif has not issued any public response addressing the controversy or the clarification issued by Pizza Hut Pakistan. The incident continues to circulate online, serving as another reminder of how quickly ceremonial moments can turn into viral talking points in the digital era.