Key Takeaways
- MAAKS International (Pvt.) Ltd. has reaffirmed its legal rights to operate Pizza Hut in Pakistan.
- The company warns against unauthorized outlets and advises stakeholders not to engage with them.
- Disputes over franchise rights are currently pending before the courts.
MAAKS International (Pvt.) Ltd. has issued a statement asserting its legal authority as the official master franchisee of Pizza Hut in Pakistan, following recent claims that unauthorized outlets have opened in Lahore.
According to MAAKS, it acquired the master franchise rights from MCR (Pvt.) Ltd. in August 2022 with the approval of Pizza Hut MENAPAK LLC based in the UAE, and began operations in September 2022.
The company currently licenses 77 Pizza Hut outlets across Pakistan through a network that includes 10 sub-franchisees, which were transferred from MCR following MENAPAK’s approval. These outlets continue to operate under established development arrangements.
MAAKS has issued the clarification in response to public statements and online posts allegedly linked to Pizza Hut’s regional franchising arm, which described its outlets as unauthorized or unlawful.
The company rejected these claims as misleading and stated that such statements could create confusion among customers and business partners. MAAKS also alleged that its official Facebook and Instagram accounts were hacked and used in a misinformation campaign.
In response to the alleged hacking, MAAKS has approached the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and initiated regulatory and enforcement action against those involved in spreading false or defamatory information.
MAAKS further warned 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 stated that any transaction made with an allegedly unauthorized party would be carried out at the concerned party’s own risk.
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.
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. Disputes over franchise rights are currently pending before the courts.
