Naqvi comes to CDA chairman, Islamabad IG's defence as they draw flak for carriage video showing 'colonial practice'

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended two government officials, CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf and Islamabad IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, after a viral video showed them riding in a horse carriage during an Independence Day parade in Islamabad. The video sparked outrage online, with many accusing the officials of adopting a "colonial" mindset.

Naqvi took to X to explain that the officials were delayed due to a president's meeting with the prime minister, and the crowd had been waiting since 5 PM. When it became clear they would be late, Naqvi instructed the officers to start the program to avoid further delays. Naqvi stated that both officials initially resisted the idea, but he had to order them to proceed for the convenience of the public.

However, criticism continued. Former federal minister Shireen Mazari called the act "unbelievably stupid," while digital rights activist Usama Khilji criticized the officials for their unbecoming behavior. Journalists Farzana Ali and Zarrar Khuhro questioned the public's apparent contempt for the officials, and researcher Ammar Rashid stressed the need for the "anti-people DC Raj" to step down.