Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally expressed displeasure over the Islamabad IGP and chief commissioner arriving at an Independence Day ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage, directing civil servants to maintain simplicity in public service.
PM formally conveys displeasure
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed displeasure over two senior Islamabad officials riding in a horse-drawn carriage during the city’s Independence Day celebrations on August 14.
Official sources said the Islamabad inspector general of police (IGP) and the chief commissioner were formally informed in writing of the prime minister’s displeasure.
The communication was issued by the Joint Secretary (Discipline) with reference to the prime minister.
According to sources, the letter stated that such a display was contrary to the principles of public service. It also conveyed Shehbaz Sharif’s directions that civil servants should avoid such conduct and maintain simplicity while carrying out their official responsibilities.
Video of carriage ride went viral
The prime minister’s action came days after a video showing the two officials travelling in the horse-drawn carriage during an Independence Day parade circulated widely on social media.
The footage showed the Islamabad IGP and chief commissioner arriving at the event in the carriage, prompting criticism and debate among social media users.
Many online commenters questioned why senior government officials were using a horse-drawn carriage during an official public event.
The incident quickly became a talking point, particularly because it occurred during the celebrations marking Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Interior minister defends officials
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, however, later defended the two officials and said they were not personally responsible for the situation.
In a post on X, Naqvi explained that the horse-drawn carriage had originally been arranged for the chief guest of the event.
However, according to the interior minister, unavoidable circumstances led to the officials using the carriage instead.
Naqvi said that he and the chief guest were delayed because of a meeting between the president and the prime minister. Meanwhile, members of the public had reportedly been waiting at the venue since 5pm.
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Officials instructed to begin programme
According to Naqvi, the two Islamabad officials were instructed to begin the programme rather than continue waiting for the chief guest and the interior minister.
He said both officials were reluctant to start the ceremony in their absence but eventually proceeded after being directed to do so for the convenience of the public.
The interior minister’s explanation suggested that the carriage ride was not intended as a personal display or an attempt by the officials to attract attention.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Shehbaz has expressed the view that public officials should maintain simplicity and avoid conduct that could be seen as inconsistent with the principles of public service.
PM emphasises simplicity in public service
The incident has highlighted differing perspectives within the government over the circumstances surrounding the Independence Day event.
While Mohsin Naqvi has publicly defended the Islamabad IGP and chief commissioner, the prime minister’s written message reflects his concern over the public image created by the episode.
The prime minister has instructed civil servants to remain mindful of the values of public service and to maintain simplicity while performing their duties.
The two officials have been formally informed of the prime minister’s displeasure, although the report does not indicate that any further disciplinary action has been announced against them.
The development comes after the viral video generated widespread attention, turning what appeared to be an unusual ceremonial arrangement into a broader discussion about public conduct and the expectations placed on senior government officials.
