ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Ishaq Dar said that a proper inquiry has been ordered into the recent tone-and-deaf advertisement shared on social media for the resumption of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight to Paris, France.
Addressing the Senate on Tuesday, the minister expressed frustration over the negligence towards the social media promo used by the national flag carrier, which faced international backlash.
PIA shared a graphic image on social media accounts to announce the resumption of PIA flights to France. The post featured an image of an aircraft seemingly flying toward the Eiffel Tower, with the French flag appearing across the sky in a decreased opacity.
The post became more problematic, even meme-worthy, with the text, “Paris, we’re coming today.” Social media users were swift to criticise the advertisement’s design, stating that it depicts the 9/11 attack.
Furthermore, Ishaq Dar informed the Senate that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA’s) flights to the United Kingdom (UK) are likely to resume within two to three months.
Replying to a calling attention notice raised by Sherry Rehman, the Deputy Prime Minister said a UK aviation team would visit Pakistan by the end of January for a physical examination to approve the resumption of PIA’s flight to the UK.
Moreover, he told the House about the losses of the national flag carriers, which have exceeded over Rs 650 billion.
Ishaq Dar said that out of a total of 22 operational aircraft, 6 were included Boeing, 11 Airbus, and the remaining ATR in the PIA fleet. “Some 11 aircraft including six Boeing and 5 Airbus were being repaired,” he added.
He said PIA was collecting around Rs84 billion in revenue per annum from the UK and Europe through operating its flights before imposing a ban due to a statement given by the then Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan.
