PIA lands into trouble with NAB over Polish tourist’s Kiki Challenge

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has landed into trouble with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) over a promotional video made by a Polish tourist for the Independence Day celebrations.

A video went viral on social media during Monday when PIA intended to celebrate August 14 in a new style. Featuring in the promo, Polish tourist Eva zu Beck performed the popular Kiki Challenge while wearing a dress in the colour of the national flag. She was also holding the Pakistani flag while dancing and performing in and out of the aircraft on the runway.

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As soon as the video started making rounds everywhere, it drew praise and criticism alike from various sections. The anti-graft body was least impressed by the stunt as soon after the airline shared the tourist’s picture on its official Twitter handle, the NAB ordered probe against the PIA for allegedly bringing disgrace to the flag and abuse of power.

NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal took notice of the performance in the aircraft, asking the PIA CEO to name those responsible. Justice Iqbal alleged the PIA officials of “disrespecting the national flag”, assuring that those who allowed such actions will be held accountable. He also ordered an inquiry against those “who allowed the woman to enter the runway and plane”.

The national flag carrier has not shared the video and it was only released by the travel blogger on her own page. As soon as the video was posted on the travel blogger’s account, a number of Pakistanis criticised and objected to the disrespect of the national flag by the national carrier’s marketing team.

The airline and the blogger have both removed the video from their respective social media forums after criticism. Eva zu Beck has also apologised to her fans on social media. In a new video, she said that the purpose of the promo was to encourage tourism in Pakistan. “I apologise for hurting sentiments of the people,” she said.

Eva zu Beck, the video blogger, has so far travelled to 44 countries. Being a global citizen, she has been exploring Pakistan for quite a while now and has become the first person to attempt the viral dance challenge on an airplane.