Pakistan International Airlines Faces Ad Criticism

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faced significant backlash over an advertisement depicting a plane flying towards the Eiffel Tower, coinciding with the announcement of resumed flights to Paris after a four-year safety ban. Critics labeled the ad as 'tone deaf,' especially given the historical context of 9/11, where planes were used in terrorist attacks. Pakistani PR expert Omar R Quraishi highlighted the insensitivity of the graphic, questioning the judgment of those who approved it. The ad has garnered millions of views on social media, leading to a mix of amusement and concern among netizens. The airline's previous ban stemmed from safety violations, including a scandal involving pilot licenses and a deadly crash in 2020 that killed 97 people. This incident marks a challenging moment for PIA as it attempts to restore its reputation in the European market.