ISLAMABAD: Maaks International (Pvt.) Ltd., the Master Franchisee of Pizza Hut Pakistan since August 2022, has clarified that the recently opened Pizza Hut outlets in Lahore are not authorized and are allegedly operating illegally.
The company stated that it acquired the Master Franchise rights from MCR (Pvt.) Ltd. in August 2022 with the approval of Pizza Hut MENAPAK LLC, UAE, and officially commenced operations in September 2022.
Maaks International (Pvt.) Ltd. said it currently licensing of 77 Pizza Hut outlets across Pakistan and 10 sub-franchisees. According to the company, these outlets were acquired from MCR (Pvt.) Ltd. following the approval of Pizza Hut MENAPAK LLC, UAE, and continue to operate under the existing Master Franchise Agreement and development arrangements, in accordance with the standard operational, branding, licensing, and quality protocols historically applicable to Pizza Hut outlets in Pakistan.
The clarification follows public statements and online posts attributed to Pizza Hut’s regional franchising arm, alleging that the outlets operated by Maaks International are unauthorized or unlawful. The company has described these allegations as factually incorrect, misleading, and capable of creating unnecessary confusion among consumers, adding that the matter is already sub judice before the competent courts.
Maaks International further stated that, despite the existence of various judicial orders, social media activity continues in a manner that undermines its lawful business operations and misleads the public. The company emphasized that such actions disregard due legal process and contribute to the spread of misinformation regarding operational Pizza Hut outlets that continue to serve customers across Pakistan.
The company further informed that all disputes relating to franchise rights, territorial issues, and contractual interpretation are currently pending before the courts and therefore cannot be determined through public statements, social media campaigns, or online narratives. Maaks International reaffirmed its commitment to operating Pizza Hut outlets in Pakistan in accordance with applicable laws, judicial directions, and established franchise standards, while reserving its right to pursue all available legal remedies.
Maaks International also stated that its official Facebook and Instagram pages were recently hacked. The company said 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.
According to the company, criminal proceedings are also being initiated against individuals allegedly involved in disseminating false and defamatory information that damages the goodwill of the Pizza Hut brand, harms the business reputation of Maaks International (Pvt.) Ltd., and interferes with ongoing judicial proceedings.
Advisory to Vendors, Landlords, and Investors
Maaks International (Pvt.) Ltd. has advised all vendors, landlords, investors, and other stakeholders not to enter into any business arrangement, investment, agreement, commitment (whether verbal or written), or commercial transaction relating to Pizza Hut Pakistan with any party other than Maaks International (Pvt.) Ltd.
The company clarified that any such investment, agreement, commitment, or business transaction made with any unauthorized party shall be solely at the risk of the concerned party, and Maaks International (Pvt.) Ltd. and its associates shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever.
