Canva has proposed a nationwide design competition to help create a new brand identity for Pakistan International Airlines. The cloud based design platform says it is willing to sponsor the initiative and offer substantial prize money to encourage creative participation from across the country.
The proposal came from Ahmed Iqbal, Canva’s General Manager for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In a LinkedIn post, he expressed the company’s interest in engaging with PIA’s management to discuss the idea and explore ways to bring the competition to life.
Canva invites designers to help shape PIA’s future
According to the proposal, the competition would invite participants to redesign PIA’s logo, overall brand identity, aircraft livery, and relaunch marketing campaign. The initiative aims to involve the public in shaping the future image of the national airline.
Ahmed Iqbal said PIA has an opportunity to reinvent its brand in 2026 by embracing local creativity and showcasing Pakistan’s design talent. He added that Canva would fully sponsor the competition, including the prize money for winning entries.
To demonstrate the concept, he also shared sample aircraft designs featuring Ajrak inspired artwork. He explained that a non designer created the mockups using Canva’s professional design tools, suggesting that experienced designers across Pakistan could produce even more innovative ideas.
Proposal receives mixed response online
The proposal quickly attracted attention on LinkedIn, where users shared a range of opinions. Many welcomed the initiative and praised the idea of giving Pakistani designers an opportunity to contribute to the national airline’s image.
Others highlighted practical considerations related to aircraft design. Some users noted that many commercial airlines prefer white aircraft because the color is easier to maintain and can help reduce cooling costs in warmer climates.
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At this stage, Canva’s proposal remains an invitation for discussion, and PIA has not announced any official response or confirmed plans to launch such a competition.
The idea reflects a growing interest in involving local creative communities in large scale branding projects. If implemented, the competition could provide designers from across Pakistan with a platform to showcase their talent while contributing fresh ideas for the future identity of the country’s national carrier.
The proposal has already generated significant discussion online, with many users expressing curiosity about how PIA may respond. Whether or not the competition moves forward, the initiative has sparked conversation about innovation, public participation, and the role of design in shaping the image of national institutions.
