MAAKS International (Pvt.) Ltd. has reaffirmed that it remains the lawful Master Franchisee of Pizza Hut Pakistan, while claiming that recently opened Pizza Hut outlets in Lahore are unauthorized and operating without its approval.
The company said it acquired the master franchise rights from MCR (Pvt.) Ltd. in August 2022 with the approval of Pizza Hut MENAPAK LLC, UAE, and formally began operations in September 2022.
According to MAAKS, it currently licenses 77 Pizza Hut outlets across Pakistan through a network that includes 10 sub-franchisees. It said the outlets were transferred from MCR following MENAPAK’s approval and continue to operate under the existing master franchise and development arrangements.
MAAKS issued the clarification after public statements and online posts allegedly linked to Pizza Hut’s regional franchising arm described its outlets as unauthorized or unlawful. The company rejected these claims as misleading and said they could create confusion among customers and business partners.
It added that disputes over franchise rights, territorial authority and the interpretation of contractual agreements are already pending before the courts. MAAKS said such matters should be decided through legal proceedings rather than public statements or social media campaigns.
The company also alleged that its official Facebook and Instagram accounts were hacked and used as part of what it described as a misinformation campaign. It said it is approaching the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and has initiated regulatory and enforcement action.
MAAKS further said it is pursuing criminal proceedings against individuals allegedly involved in spreading false or defamatory information that could damage the goodwill of the Pizza Hut brand, harm its business reputation and interfere with ongoing court proceedings.
The company maintained that its Pizza Hut outlets continue to operate in accordance with applicable laws, judicial directions and established operational, branding, licensing and quality standards.
Warning to Vendors, Landlords and Investors
MAAKS advised vendors, landlords, investors and other stakeholders not to enter into any Pizza Hut Pakistan-related agreement, investment or commercial arrangement with any party other than MAAKS International.
It warned that any transaction made with an allegedly unauthorized party would be carried out at the concerned party’s own risk, adding that MAAKS and its associated entities would not accept responsibility for such dealings.
Through the statement, MAAKS has sought to reinforce its legal and commercial authority over Pizza Hut Pakistan while challenging the legitimacy of competing outlets and public claims against its franchise operations.
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest news and stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
