PM expresses 'displeasure' over officials' ceremonial buggy ride at August 14 parade
Premier observes that display of 'pomp and show projected an image of privilege and personal aggrandisement'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed strong disapproval over Islamabad officials who rode in a ceremonial buggy during a parade on August 14, according to a document obtained by The Express Tribune. The advisory issued by the Establishment Division Joint Secretary (Discipline) Syeda Shafaq Hashmi stated that the incident had drawn widespread public criticism and that the prime minister had expressed disappointment and displeasure at the display.
The prime minister's concern was that the parade showcased "an image of privilege, ostentation and personal aggrandisement" that contradicted the values of public service. Civil servants and public functionaries, according to the advisory, are expected to uphold humility, restraint, dignity, and sound judgment at all times. The advisory emphasized that such behavior undermines public confidence in public institutions and is inconsistent with the standards of conduct expected of senior officials.
The criticism centered on the use of the buggy by the chief commissioner and inspector general of Islamabad Capital Territory during the Independence Day parade. The interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, defended the officials, explaining that the buggy was arranged for the chief guest but was used by the officers due to their delay due to a meeting between the president and the prime minister.
Naqvi emphasized that both officials initially resisted starting the program but were instructed to proceed for the convenience of the public.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
