Prime Minister Objects to Display of Privilege at Official Ceremony
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally reprimanded two senior Islamabad officials over their appearance in a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy during the capital’s Independence Day celebrations.
Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Chief Commissioner and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf received separate advisories conveying the prime minister’s displeasure over the August 14 incident.
The advisories were issued by Establishment Division Joint Secretary for Discipline Syeda Shafaq Hashmi.
According to the official document, the prime minister took a “very serious view” of the officials’ arrival at the Independence Day function in the ceremonial carriage.
The spectacle attracted widespread criticism after videos from the event circulated on social media.
The prime minister said the display created an impression of privilege, ostentation and personal aggrandisement.
He considered such conduct inconsistent with the principles and responsibilities attached to public service.
The advisory stressed that senior government officials should demonstrate humility, restraint, dignity and sound judgment while performing their duties.
The officials were reminded that their positions as administrators of the federal capital require them to maintain high standards of propriety and responsible governance.
They were instructed to exercise greater care in the future and ensure that similar conduct does not happen again.
The advisory said the instructions should be followed strictly in both letter and spirit.
Viral Buggy Video Draws Criticism on Social Media
The controversy began after footage emerged showing Rizvi and Ashraf entering the Independence Day parade in a horse-drawn ceremonial carriage.
The buggy appeared similar to one traditionally associated with high-level state ceremonies.
Videos of the arrival quickly spread online and triggered criticism over what some users viewed as an unnecessary display of official privilege.
Some social media users compared the scene to a colonial-era display of authority.
The circulating footage also appeared to show the audience being encouraged to applaud the arrival of the officials.
However, little or no applause could be heard in widely shared versions of the video.
The prime minister’s response has now turned what initially appeared to be a social media controversy into an official administrative matter.
His advisory specifically linked the issue to public confidence in state institutions.
According to the document, senior civil servants are expected to avoid conduct that could create an impression of personal glorification or excessive privilege.
The incident took place during Islamabad’s Independence Day City Parade at D-Chowk, where senior government officials and public representatives participated in the celebrations.
Islamabad Police had also made extensive security and traffic arrangements for the event.
Mohsin Naqvi Defends Officials, Says Buggy Was Meant for Chief Guest
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has offered a different explanation and defended both officials.
Naqvi said Rizvi and Ashraf were not responsible for creating the controversial situation.
According to the minister, he and the scheduled chief guest had been delayed because of a meeting involving the president and prime minister.
Members of the public had reportedly been waiting at the venue since around 5pm.
Naqvi said officials were therefore instructed to begin the programme at approximately 6pm rather than keep spectators waiting.
The horse-drawn carriage had originally been arranged for the chief guest, he said.
According to Naqvi, both officials initially resisted starting the programme without the chief guest and interior minister.
They eventually proceeded only after receiving specific instructions to begin the event because of the delay.
He attributed their use of the buggy to those circumstances rather than any desire for personal display.
Despite that explanation, the prime minister has made clear that senior officials must avoid conduct that can be perceived as extravagant or inconsistent with the values of public service.
The written reprimand serves as a warning to both officials and signals the government’s expectation that public servants maintain simplicity and restraint at official events.
