ISLAMABAD: A ceremonial horse-drawn buggy ride by Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Chief Commissioner at an Independence Day event has triggered a public backlash, with citizens and social media users criticising the display as a symbol of official privilege and a disconnect from the hardships faced by ordinary people.
Islamabad IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf came under criticism after footage emerged showing the two senior officials arriving at the August 14 event in a horse-drawn carriage arranged for the chief guest.
The spectacle drew particular condemnation at a time when people are grappling with high inflation, rising utility bills and mounting economic pressures. Critics described the arrival as an unnecessary display of pomp and what they termed ‘VIP culture’, arguing that senior public officials should demonstrate austerity and solidarity with citizens rather than indulge in ceremonial extravagance.
The controversy prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to defend the two officers in a statement posted on his official social media account.
Naqvi acknowledged that the incident was inappropriate but said neither the IGP nor the Chief Commissioner was responsible for the decision. He explained that he and the chief guest, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, had been delayed because of a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to the minister, the audience had been waiting since 5pm and, when it became apparent at around 6pm that the chief guest and the minister would be late, the officers were instructed to begin the programme to avoid keeping the public waiting.
Naqvi said the buggy had been arranged for the chief guest and that the two officers were expected to accompany him. However, owing to the delay, it was ultimately used by the officials.
The minister further said both officers had initially resisted starting the programme in the absence of the chief guest, but proceeded after being specifically instructed to do so in the interest of the public.
His explanation, however, did little to quell the criticism online. Social media users argued that the issue went beyond who had authorised the ride, saying the episode highlighted a wider culture of privilege and excessive official protocol.
Critics also questioned why a ceremonial buggy was used by the senior officials at all, suggesting that they could simply have walked to the stage or used ordinary official vehicles if the chief guest was delayed.
The incident also revived comparisons with the traditional Pakistan Day parade, where the presidential buggy has historically been associated with the head of state. Under established protocol, the President would arrive in the ceremonial carriage to address the parade and receive the salute.
The Independence Day parade in Islamabad, organised by Islamabad Police and the Capital Development Authority (CDA), was attended by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq as chief guest. The Speaker arrived by car, while the two Grade-20 officers were seen arriving in the ceremonial carriage.
For many citizens, the contrast underscored concerns over official privilege at a time when the government continues to urge the public to practise austerity.
The episode has therefore become less about a ceremonial ride and more about the perception that those in positions of authority remain insulated from the economic difficulties confronting the wider population.
