Pakistan airlines' 'wear underwear' dress code triggers backlash

Agencies | Islamabad

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) issued a clarification on Friday after its 'wear underwear' dress code triggered backlash. In an advisory, the airline instructed its cabin crew that wearing undergarments underneath the uniform is a must.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) issued a clarification on Friday after its 'wear underwear' dress code triggered backlash. In an advisory, the airline instructed its cabin crew that wearing undergarments underneath the uniform is a must.

The airlines suggested that a lack of proper attire would leave a poor impression and portray a negative image of the airline.

"It has been observed with great concern that a few cabin crew tend to dress casually while travelling intercity, staying in hotels, and visiting various suffices. Such dressing leaves a poor impression on the viewer and portrays a negative image of not only the individual but also of the organisation," the advisory read.

PIA General Manager Flight Services Aamir Bashir asked cabin crew to "dress properly" in formal plain clothes over "proper undergarments". The 'dress code' was criticised heavily, terming it "inappropriate."

The national carrier immediately withdrew the bulletin due to the backlash it received, Geo News reported.

In 24 hours, the airline issued a carefully worded clarification expressing regret over the words used in the notification.

"Despite the fact that the spirit behind the advisory was to ensure proper dress code, however, the standard bulletin, inadvertently, came out with an inappropriate selection of words," PIA's Chief HR Officer said in a written clarification.

"I personally feel regretful and am fully convinced that the words could have been more civilised and appropriate in this context instead of words published, which, unfortunately, are being trolled and twisted towards the defamation of the company," he added.