Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed flights from Islamabad to Paris, announcing the news with an announcement that has sparked mixed excitement on social media.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PIA shared a picture of a plane flying towards the Eiffel Tower with the French flag in the background.

But the red part of the flag next to the iconic landmark, along with the plane heading straight for it. The images were considered problematic by some social media users.

The photo was accompanied by the message, “Paris, we are coming today.”

Photo: @Official_PIA on X

Social media users quickly reacted to the post, with some expressing confusion and humor at the graphic design choices and wording, while many compared it to images from the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.

Photo: @ThisisOshaz_ on X

Photo: @zainab.hameed on Instagram

Photo: @Casualrao on Instagram

Photo: @brokebutimcute on X

This incident is not the first time PIA has come under scrutiny for its advertisements. Users on X also shared a controversial ad from the 1970s which depicted the shadow of a PIA plane over the Twin Towers in New York City, a design now considered insensitive due to the tragic events of 9/11. Although the ad was created well before the attacks, the context has made it a source of regret and controversy.

Photo: @Saikirankannan on X

Despite the criticism, PIA’s new route to Paris marks an important development for the airline, although the advertising blunder has certainly gained attention.