Naqvi comes to CDA chairman, Islamabad IG's defence as they draw flak over buggy video with 'colonial' undertone

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended two government officials who faced backlash after a viral video of them riding in a horse carriage during an Independence Day parade in Islamabad. The video depicted Capital Development Authority Chairman Lt Sohail Ashraf and Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi in what appeared to be the presidential buggy, causing criticism on social media.

Many compared the officials' actions to a "colonial" mindset. Naqvi clarified on X that the officials had been delayed due to the president's meeting with the prime minister, and the crowd had been waiting since 5 pm. Out of concern for the public, Naqvi instructed the officers to start the program, despite their initial reluctance.

Former federal minister Shireen Mazari criticized the officials, stating that their actions were "unforgivable" and similar to those from the British Raj. Journalist Farzana Ali questioned the country's values when faced with such behavior, while journalist Zarrar Khuhro called the scene "CRINGE." Researcher Ammar Rashid lamented the lack of public support for these officials, while journalist Absar Alam expressed revulsion at the officials' "inferiority complex."

Political analyst Zaigham Khan noted the shift in perception of grandeur and splendor in the country, while journalist Fahd Husain emphasized the need for bureaucratic reform in Pakistan.