An advertisement for State-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), that evoked eerie memories of the 9/11 attacks in the USA, triggered a massive row, forcing PM Shehbaz Sharif to order an investigation.
Why Was The Advertisement Made?
The advertisement in question was created to celebrate the resumption of flight service between Pakistan’s Islamabad city and French capital Paris.
The PIA shared the image on X which showed a flight heading towards the Eiffel Tower.
With the French flag in the backdrop, the image was shared with the caption: “Paris, we’re coming today.”
Senate Informed About The Premier’s Decision
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed the Senate about the premier’s decision, reported The News International.
On September 9. 2001, two planes hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists crashed into Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
The attack mastermind, Osama Bin Laden, was killed during a military operation in Pakistan’s Abbottabad city on May 2, 2011.
EASA Ban Lifted
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted its ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in the EU bloc in November last year.
EASA suspended PIA’s authorisation to operate in the EU in June 2020 over concerns about the ability of Pakistani authorities and its Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
Safety Standards Of PIA
PIA’s safety standards came into spotlight after the country’s then Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said that nearly a third of Pakistani pilots had cheated in their examination.
PIA’s inaugural flight PK749 (Boeing 777) departed Islamabad International Airport on January 11, heading to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The flight carried 313 passengers, while 309 are scheduled to return from Paris to Islamabad, reported Dawn.
Onboard the inaugural flight were several key officials, including the CEO, chief commercial officer, PIA spokesperson, Deputy General Manager (Brand and Public Affairs), Chief HR officer and Chief Technical Officer, among others, the report said.
(With inputs from IBNS)
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