PIA draws flak over 'elite' breakfast

Social media users say sausages, beans and cheese omelette not typical breakfast served in Pakistani household

KARACHI: Twitterati came down hard on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Wednesday for introducing sausages, beans and a cheese omelette  in its in-flight breakfast menu, saying it was "not the typical meal consumed in a Pakistani household".

"Just when you start missing it, we serve you a taste of home! A dash of salt and little bit of pepper, we tantalise your taste buds with our delicious meal to welcome the glorious morning," the national flag-carrier posted online.

Just when you start missing it, we serve you a taste of home! A dash of salt and little bit of pepper, we tantalize your taste buds with our delicious meal to welcome the glorious morning! #PIA #BreakfastWithPIA pic.twitter.com/UXLamu398f

— PIA (@Official_PIA) May 1, 2019

One user posted an image of a fried egg on a paratha as an apt description of a breakfast feasted upon by the public.

Correcting your definition of home. Check pic: Aisa anda paratha chahye, woh bhi slightly crispy. Anda with a runny egg yolk so that I can dip my paratha in it. That’s the taste of home. pic.twitter.com/70hdhwtuSr

— Asma Ali Zain (@asmaalizain) May 1, 2019

Others slammed the creative team behind the campaign for coming up with the visual representation.

"Whose home? Beans and sausage isn't a typical Pakistani breakfast," tweeted senior journalist Zarrar Khuhro.

Whose home? Beans and sausage isnt a typical Pakistani breakfast https://t.co/EWfwxzafaE

— Zarrar Khuhro (@ZarrarKhuhro) May 1, 2019

"When a Pakistani misses food from home, it’s never ever sausages, beans & cheese omelette," wrote Twitter user Zoai Tariq. "Please change your advertising agency. @Official_PIA"

When a Pakistani misses food from home, it’s never ever a sausages, beans & cheese omelette . Please change your advertising agency @Official_PIA https://t.co/blCqqDLImf

— ZoiaT (@zoiatariq) May 1, 2019

Another user said that one of her colleagues from India had loved the chana, halwa and paratha served by the airline when she travelled to Pakistan.

She added that PIA must promote the country's culture.

An Indian colleague appreciated PIA who once travelled to Pakistan. They loved your chana, halwa, paratha in the breakfast.

May be you should promote Pakistani culture more.

— Rumaisa Mohani (@RumaisaMohani) May 1, 2019

PIA spokesperson Mashood Tajwar when asked about the matter said: "You see, we not only serve a local breakfast....but also a continental breakfast on our flights to give our passengers as much variety as possible".

Certain passengers, he added, were averse to a heavy local meal first thing in the morning.