PM Orders Inquiry into Controversial PIA Paris Flight Ad Amid Public Outcry
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed an investigation into the controversial advertisement promoting the launch of Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) flights to Paris. The order was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar during a Senate session focused on PIA’s privatization plan on Tuesday.
Senator Sherry Rehman raised concerns about the airline’s future, questioning whether the privatization plan was still moving forward or had been canceled. She pointed out that, of PIA’s 34 aircraft, only 19 were operational, with the remainder grounded.
Rehman also criticized the Paris flight advertisement, which depicted a PIA plane near the Eiffel Tower with the slogan “We’re coming.” She argued that the ad misrepresented the airline’s actual capabilities and intentions, leading to public ridicule. She also questioned the agency responsible for the ad and the official who approved it.
In response, Ishaq Dar confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz had ordered an inquiry, calling the campaign misleading. He also referred to previous incidents that damaged PIA’s reputation, including a statement by former minister Sarwar Khan that led to bans on PIA flights in Europe, the UK, and the US due to allegations of fake pilots.
Dar explained that a committee had been formed under the PDM government to address the issue, and efforts had succeeded in resolving it with the UK’s foreign secretary.
Regarding PIA’s fleet, Dar clarified that 22 of the airline’s planes are currently operational, while 11 are undergoing repairs. He reassured that PIA’s privatization process would continue, with plans to involve Pakistan’s corporate sector.
Dar also mentioned efforts to restore PIA flights to the UK, with a team expected to arrive by the end of January, hoping flights would resume by March or April. He further stated that the false statement by the former minister had resulted in an annual loss of Rs87 billion and harmed the reputation of Pakistani pilots. An inquiry into the issue has been recommended by the cabinet.
