Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has ordered an inquiry into the controversial advertisement released by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which many netizens likened to imagery from the September 11 attacks. The advertisement, intended to celebrate the resumption of flights to Paris, features an aircraft depicted in a troubling manner, soaring towards the Eiffel Tower with the phrase “Paris, we’re coming today.” Following its release, the ad garnered backlash on social media, with a considerable number of views and condemnation from notable figures, illustrating the sensitivity surrounding the imagery.
Pakistan Airliner Faces Backlash Over 9/11-Inspired Ad
Pakistan Airliner Faces Backlash Over 9/11-Inspired Ad
An investigation is launched into PIA's controversial advertisement that sparked comparisons to the September 11 attacks.
The uproar surrounding the advertisement prompts discussions regarding PIA's recent challenges, including financial deficits, stalled privatization efforts, and past controversies such as the sacrificial goat incident in 2017 that drew international attention. Despite overcoming a four-year ban by the European Union’s aviation safety agency, the airline appears to have stumbled once again, raising questions about its internal approval processes and marketing strategies.
Moreover, the foreign minister underscored the seriousness of the issue during parliamentary sessions, affirming the need for a comprehensive review of how such content was approved. Observers have pointed out the potential ramifications for PIA, which is already grappling with a tarnished reputation amid its longstanding struggles. With the inquiry underway, the airline's future may hinge on the responses and lessons learned from this latest public relations crisis.
Moreover, the foreign minister underscored the seriousness of the issue during parliamentary sessions, affirming the need for a comprehensive review of how such content was approved. Observers have pointed out the potential ramifications for PIA, which is already grappling with a tarnished reputation amid its longstanding struggles. With the inquiry underway, the airline's future may hinge on the responses and lessons learned from this latest public relations crisis.
