ISLAMABAD: Maaks International (Pvt.) Ltd., the master franchisee of Pizza Hut in Pakistan, has clarified that the recently opened Pizza Hut outlet in Sialkot is a legally authorised operation, following claims on social media questioning its authenticity.

Maaks International told Public Purview that the Sialkot outlet was launched under existing franchise and development arrangements and in accordance with standard operational, branding and licensing protocols historically applied to Pizza Hut outlets across Pakistan.

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The clarification follows public statements and online posts attributed to Pizza Hut’s regional franchising arm alleging that the Sialkot outlet was “fake” or unauthorised. Maaks International described these claims as factually incorrect and misleading to consumers, adding that the matter is already under judicial consideration.

According to the company, the Intellectual Property Tribunal (IPT) Lahore, through an order dated January 15, 2026, restrained Rustam Foods from harassing, threatening or interfering with the business operations of Maaks International in relation to the Sialkot outlet. The order remains operative pending adjudication of the dispute.

Despite the subsistence of the judicial order, Maaks International said that social media activity continues in a manner that undermines its lawful business operations and creates confusion among consumers. The company warned that such conduct disregards due process and risks spreading misinformation about an operational food outlet actively serving customers.

Maaks International further told Public Purview that disputes concerning franchise rights, territorial matters and contractual interpretation are sub judice and cannot be determined through public declarations or online narratives. The company reiterated its commitment to operating Pizza Hut outlets in Pakistan in accordance with applicable laws, judicial directions and established franchise standards, while reserving the right to pursue all available legal remedies.

For additional context, the company disclosed that the Intellectual Property Tribunal Islamabad has also granted injunctive relief in its favour, restraining Rustam Foods and other sub-franchisees from using the Pizza Hut trademark, name, logo and associated branding without lawful authority. These interim orders, the company said, recognise at a prima facie stage its right to protect the brand pending final adjudication.

Maaks International further stated that it has initiated regulatory and enforcement actions and is approaching the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding what it described as an ongoing digital misinformation campaign. The company added that it is also in the process of initiating criminal proceedings in relation to the dissemination of false claims that allegedly damage brand goodwill and interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings.