A viral photo showing the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) office in the Netherlands adorned with an LGBTQ+ flag has ignited a flurry of speculation, with many claiming the national carrier is endorsing the LGBTQ+ community.
But hold on—there’s more to the story! According to PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan, the office, located in Amsterdam, has been closed since 2018. The flag was actually raised by the municipal government of Amsterdam to celebrate the annual queer festival, Amsterdam Pride, which takes place from July 22 to August 4.
Khan further clarified the situation by sharing additional photos and videos of the street scene, emphasizing that the larger flags displayed in the area bore the municipality’s monograms, not PIA’s.
Interestingly, the timing of this incident coincides with a growing global conversation about inclusivity and representation. While PIA might not be making a statement, the municipal government of Amsterdam is certainly embracing diversity and showing support for the LGBTQ+ community during the vibrant Pride celebrations.
In a final note, Khan mentioned that PIA has leased the premises to another entity, which plans to remove all traces of the national carrier’s name and logo following renovations. This transition signifies a new chapter for the building and clears up any misunderstandings about the airline’s stance. So, while the image may have sparked controversy, the truth is far from what it seems, reminding us all to look deeper before jumping to conclusions.