Pakistan International Airlines is under intense scrutiny after releasing an advertisement depicting a plane heading towards the Eiffel Tower, which has drawn unsettling comparisons to past terrorist attacks.
Pakistan Airlines Faces Backlash Over Disturbing Ad Featuring Eiffel Tower
Pakistan Airlines Faces Backlash Over Disturbing Ad Featuring Eiffel Tower
Controversial advertisement sparks outrage reminiscent of historic events
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has found itself in hot water following the release of an advertisement intended to promote the resumption of flights to Paris. The ad, which features an image of a plane flying towards the iconic Eiffel Tower and is captioned, "Paris, we're coming today," has provoked widespread backlash and controversy on social media. Critics have pointed out the unsettling resemblance to the September 11 attacks in the United States, leading some users to question whether this was a mere advertisement or something more ominous.
Social media reactions ranged from disbelief to anger, with one user on platform X exclaiming, "Is this an advertisement or a threat?" Others have called for the resignation of the airline's marketing management. Since its publication last week, the ad has garnered over 21 million views, sparking calls for an official investigation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is reportedly looking into the matter, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his disapproval.
The 9/11 attacks, which resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 3,000 lives when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon, are a haunting chapter in history that has left a lasting impact, especially in Pakistan, the country with connections to some of the key figures involved. Notably, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, the alleged mastermind behind the attacks, was captured in Pakistan in 2003.
Prominent Pakistani journalist Omar Quraishi voiced his disbelief over the airline's decision-making, questioning whether the management considered the possible implications of the advertisement. "Did the airline management not vet this?" he wondered aloud on social media.
This incident is not the first controversy for PIA, which has faced its fair share of public relations blunders in the past. Notably, in 1979 the airline faced backlash for a different advertisement that featured a passenger jet's shadow over the twin towers, and in 2017, staff attracted ridicule after conducting a goat sacrifice to ward off bad luck following a major air disaster. The airline also faced criticism in 2019 when it demanded flight attendants to lose weight or face potential job loss.
As criticisms mount and conversations unfold regarding this advertisement, it remains to be seen how PIA will navigate the aftermath and address the serious concerns that have been raised by both the public and officials.
Social media reactions ranged from disbelief to anger, with one user on platform X exclaiming, "Is this an advertisement or a threat?" Others have called for the resignation of the airline's marketing management. Since its publication last week, the ad has garnered over 21 million views, sparking calls for an official investigation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is reportedly looking into the matter, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his disapproval.
The 9/11 attacks, which resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 3,000 lives when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon, are a haunting chapter in history that has left a lasting impact, especially in Pakistan, the country with connections to some of the key figures involved. Notably, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, the alleged mastermind behind the attacks, was captured in Pakistan in 2003.
Prominent Pakistani journalist Omar Quraishi voiced his disbelief over the airline's decision-making, questioning whether the management considered the possible implications of the advertisement. "Did the airline management not vet this?" he wondered aloud on social media.
This incident is not the first controversy for PIA, which has faced its fair share of public relations blunders in the past. Notably, in 1979 the airline faced backlash for a different advertisement that featured a passenger jet's shadow over the twin towers, and in 2017, staff attracted ridicule after conducting a goat sacrifice to ward off bad luck following a major air disaster. The airline also faced criticism in 2019 when it demanded flight attendants to lose weight or face potential job loss.
As criticisms mount and conversations unfold regarding this advertisement, it remains to be seen how PIA will navigate the aftermath and address the serious concerns that have been raised by both the public and officials.
