Blunder in Pakistan: Defense Minister unwittingly opens fake Pizza Hut, internet erupts in laughter
Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Another bizarre case of embarrassment of the government and ministers has come to light in Pakistan, which has become a laughing stock on social media. Here, the 'Pizza Hut' which was inaugurated with great fanfare by the country's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif in Sialkot, actually turned out to be fake. Just a few hours after the minister cut the ribbon, the real Pizza Hut company issued a statement clarifying that the shop which was inaugurated was completely unauthorized. Following this revelation, the internet has been flooded with memes and people are making fun of the minister.
The ribbon was cut with great fanfare, but the real one turned out to be fake
This incident took place in the Cantonment area of Sialkot, where a grand ceremony was held to mark the opening of an outlet. Chief guest Defense Minister Khawaja Asif cut the ribbon with due protocol. Pizza Hut's iconic "red roof" logo and branding were prominently displayed. The minister happily posed for photos and presented the event as a major achievement for his city. The organizers had promoted it as a new outlet of the international pizza chain, but the minister had no idea that the store he was inaugurating was actually a plagiarism of the brand.
The company issued a statement: We have nothing to do with this
As the minister's photos went viral on social media, users noticed that there was no mention of this location on Pizza Hut's official website. Seeing the issue gaining momentum, the original Pizza Hut Pakistan was quick to issue an official statement. The company categorically stated that the outlet in Sialkot Cantonment was completely unauthorized and fraudulently using their brand name and logo. The company clarified that this outlet is not affiliated with Yum! Brands and does not adhere to their international quality protocols, recipes, or food safety standards.
Minister ridiculed for trademark theft complaint
The real company has filed a complaint with the relevant authorities regarding the misuse of its brand and trademark, demanding strict action. Meanwhile, this incident has brought disrepute to the Pakistani government. People on social media are asking whether the country's Defense Minister even knew what he was about to inaugurate. Users are making various jokes about how such a major mistake could have occurred amid such extensive security and protocol. Currently, this fake 'Pizza Hut' has become a topic of discussion in Pakistan.