PM admonishes commissioner, IGP over display of ‘pomp and show’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly rebuked Islamabad's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf for what he termed "pomp and show" and "personal aggrandisement" during the Independence Day parade on August 14.

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You are advised to be careful in the performance of your duties, and ensure that such conduct should not recur.

The Prime Minister conveyed his "deep disappointment and displeasure" through a formal advisory from the Establishment Division. He specifically took issue with the two senior officials arriving at the official function in a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy, an act that drew significant public criticism online. Sharif observed that such displays project an image of "privilege, ostentation and personal aggrandisement," which he believes is contrary to the ethos of public service.

Sharif emphasized that civil servants and public functionaries must consistently demonstrate humility, restraint, dignity, and sound judgment. He warned that conduct undermining public confidence in institutions is inconsistent with the expected standards for senior officials. The advisory stressed that as administrators of the federal capital, they are expected to uphold the highest standards of propriety and responsible governance.

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the prime minister had taken a “very serious view” of the incident at the official function held on August 14, when the two senior officials rode in a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy, attracting widespread public criticism.

While the Prime Minister's reprimand stems from a video of the officials in the buggy that went viral, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi offered a different perspective. Naqvi defended the officials, stating they were instructed to commence the program to avoid further public waiting, as the chief guest and he had been delayed due to a meeting with the president. However, the Prime Minister's directive clearly indicates a strict compliance requirement for future events.

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it projected an image of “privilege, ostentation and personal aggrandisement” that was at odds with the ethos of public service.