Pakistan PM orders inquiry after national airline ad accused of evoking 9/11 imagery
GuardianJAN 30
Pakistan Airline Ad Sparks Global Outrage Over Accusations of 9/11 Imagery
Above: The promotional graphic posted by Pakistan International Airlines advertising flights to France. Image copyright: Pakistan International Airlines/X via CNN
The Spin
Narrative A
The advertisement highlights a catastrophic marketing failure that shows complete disregard for historical sensitivity, particularly given Pakistan's connections to the 9/11 attacks through the presence of Osama bin Laden and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in the country.
Narrative B
The controversy overshadows PIA's significant achievement in resuming European operations after addressing safety concerns, potentially damaging the airline's efforts to rebuild its international reputation and financial stability through expanded routes.