PIA publicly apologized over an advertisement for the flights to Paris, which featured one of their aircraft near the Eiffel Tower.
The advertisement had been posted on PIA’s official X account, announcing the resumption of flights to Paris.
However, the image sparked online uproar after it was attacked for its unintentional similarity to the 9/11 events.
The caption on the picture was “Paris, we’re coming today,” and it depicted a PIA plane seemingly heading towards the Eiffel Tower.
People immediately compared this to the 2001 attacks where planes were flown into the World Trade Center.
“Is this an advertisement or a threat?”
This was one of the many comments made on the tone of the advertisement. As one man summarized,
“Paris must be on high alert by now.”
Official statements from PIA
Abdullah Khan, a spokesperson for PIA, responded by saying that the message of the picture was not to offend.
“Unfortunately, this was blown out of proportion, with perceptions that were never intended,” Khan admitted in a statement. “The airline regrets the negative emotions triggered by the ad,” he said, apologizing for any distress caused.
Abdullah Khan, a spokesperson for PIA, addressed the issue by stating that the message of the image was not to be taken in an offending manner.
“Unfortunately, this was blown out of proportion, with perceptions that were never intended,” he acknowledged in a statement.
Moreover, he added apologizing for the distress,”The airline regrets the negative emotions triggered by the ad.”
Moreover, the post gathered between 60,000 to 70,000 comments and most were outrage.
“I would give this art 9 out of 11,” read one mocking post, and there were some calls for questioning the marketing people on the part of the airlines.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar denounced the advertisements, referring to it as “stupidity.”
Moreover, he testified that the event had already been instructed for investigation by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
With more than 95% of Paris flights operating to full capacity, PIA has successfully returned to Europe despite the controversy.
Whereas, this after the airline faced bitter criticism; left the advertisement on its official X account.
