In brief
Pakistan's Prime Minister mandates an investigation into an airline advertisement that many critics liken to the September 11 attacks, exacerbating existing issues for the struggling national carrier.
Pakistan has found itself embroiled in controversy following the release of an advertisement by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) that has drawn significant online backlash for its resemblance to the events of September 11, 2001. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry on Tuesday into how this advertisement was approved, following numerous complaints regarding its appropriateness.The advertisement was intended to announce the resumption of PIA flights to Paris, featuring an illustration of an aircraft aimed at the Eiffel Tower with the tagline "Paris, we’re coming today." However, the ad quickly drew ire on social media for its sensitive connotations. A post featuring the image garnered over 21 million views, prompting widespread discussions about its implications.Political scientist Ian Bremmer voiced his disbelief on Threads, suggesting the airline needed a "new graphic designer," while columnist Omar R. Quraishi expressed his astonishment, questioning whether the airline understood the tragic history associated with planes and buildings. Pakistan's past connection to the 9/11 attacks, notably through figures like Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and Osama bin Laden, adds complexity to the situation.Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced during a parliamentary session that an investigation had been launched to understand the internal approvals that allowed the ad to proceed. This incident comes at a challenging time for PIA, which has been grappling with financial difficulties and stalled privatization efforts.The airline's reputation has faced hurdles before; its safety standards have come under scrutiny, resulting in flight bans from both the United States and Britain. PIA had only recently resumed operations to Paris following the lifting of a four-year ban by the EU's aviation safety agency.
