ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reprimanded Islamabad’s top police officer and chief commissioner for arriving at an Independence Day event in a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy, warning them in an official advisory that the “display of pomp and show” undermines public confidence in government institutions.
Islamabad Chief Commissioner Lt. (retired) Sohail Ashraf and Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi drew flak on social media after they were seen riding a ceremonial horse-drawn buddy during an Aug. 14 Independence Day event.
Social media users criticized the officials by saying that the move reflected a tone-deaf, British colonial era style display of VIP privilege.
“The prime minister has expressed disappointment and displeasure at this display of pomp and show, observing that it projected an image of privilege, ostentation and personal aggrandisement wholly at odds with the ethos of public service,” a formal advisory issued by the Establishment Division to both officials said.
The advisory, dated Aug. 17, said civil servants hold public office in trust for the people and are expected to demonstrate humility, restraint, dignity and sound judgment at all times.
It added that such conduct undermines the masses’ confidence in public institutions and is inconsistent with the standards of conduct expected of senior civil servants and government functionaries.
“You are advised to be careful in performance of your duties, and ensure that such conduct should not recur,” the advisory said.
After the initial backlash, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had defended both officials in a post on X on Aug. 15. He had said the chief guest, for whom the buggy was arranged, had been delayed due to a meeting.
Naqvi said the crowd had been waiting since 5:00 p.m. and when it became clear an hour later that the chief guest would be delayed, he instructed the officers to start the program.
“I can say on record that both officers initially resisted starting the program in our absence, but we specifically instructed them to proceed for the convenience of the public,” Naqvi said.
The minister clarified that what happened was “not appropriate” but it was neither the Islamabad IG nor the chief commissioner’s fault.
