ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed strong displeasure over the appearance of Islamabad’s chief commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) in a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage during the city’s Independence Day celebrations.
The two senior officials, Chief Commissioner Lt. (retd) Sohail Ashraf and Islamabad IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, were seen riding in the carriage during the August 14 parade. Footage of their arrival circulated widely on social media and drew criticism over what some viewers described as an excessive display of official privilege.
According to an official advisory issued by the Establishment Division, the prime minister took a “very serious view” of the incident and expressed disappointment over what he regarded as “pomp and show” and personal aggrandisement.
The advisory stated that such conduct could project an image of privilege and ostentation that is inconsistent with the principles and responsibilities of public service. It reminded senior government officials that public office is held in trust for citizens and requires humility, restraint, dignity and sound judgment.
Officials Told To Avoid Similar Conduct
The prime minister directed the officials to exercise greater care in the performance of their duties and ensure that similar conduct does not happen again.
The development comes after the video of the two officials arriving in the horse-drawn carriage attracted considerable attention online. Some social media users criticised the scene as reflecting an outdated or colonial-style display of official status.
The criticism, however, was followed by a clarification from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who defended the officials and said they had not intended to create such an impression.
Interior Minister Explains Circumstances
Naqvi said the horse-drawn carriage had originally been arranged for the chief guest at the event. However, the chief guest and the minister were delayed because of a meeting involving President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to Naqvi, the crowd had been waiting since around 5pm. When it became clear that the chief guest would arrive late, the officials were instructed to begin the programme so that members of the public would not have to wait any longer.
Naqvi said both officials had initially been reluctant to start the programme in the absence of the chief guest and the minister, but proceeded after being specifically instructed to do so for the convenience of attendees.
Despite the explanation, the prime minister’s subsequent advisory made clear that the visual display had raised concerns about the appropriate conduct expected from senior public servants.
Focus On Simplicity In Public Office
The incident has renewed discussion about how government officials should present themselves at public events, particularly during national celebrations.
The prime minister’s direction emphasises simplicity, restraint and public-service values, while the explanation from the interior minister indicates that the officials’ use of the carriage was linked to the delayed arrival of senior guests.
The episode highlights the importance of balancing ceremonial arrangements with the expectations of public office and maintaining public confidence in government institutions.
