Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed an investigation into a controversial Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) advertisement that announced the resumption of flights to Paris. The order came after Senator Sherry Rehman from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) raised concerns during a Senate session.
The advertisement, which featured an image of a PIA aircraft near the Eiffel Tower with the tagline “We’re Coming,” drew criticism from Rehman, who argued that it could mislead the public. She questioned the ad’s authenticity, pointing out the airline’s operational challenges, particularly its limited fleet. Rehman noted that only 19 out of PIA’s 34 aircraft are currently operational, raising doubts about the airline’s ability to fulfill such announcements.
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In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar clarified that 22 of PIA’s aircraft are indeed operational, with 11 currently undergoing repairs. He confirmed that the government had initiated an inquiry into the matter and assured that the investigation would address the concerns raised. Dar also reaffirmed the government’s ongoing efforts to privatize PIA, revealing that discussions are underway with potential buyers, including entities from Pakistan’s corporate sector.
The controversy highlights ongoing issues within PIA, with the national carrier facing financial difficulties and operational setbacks. The inquiry into the advertisement comes when the government seeks to revamp the airline’s operations, with privatization seen as a potential solution to its long-standing challenges. The investigation will likely shed more light on the airline’s current situation and the accuracy of its promotional materials.