PM expresses displeasure over Islamabad officials’ use of ceremonial Buggy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken serious notice of the use of a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy by Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken serious notice of the use of a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy by Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) during an official function held on August 14, according to official documents. The incident occurred during the Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad, when Chief Commissioner Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf and IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi travelled to the event in the ceremonial buggy.

The display later drew criticism on social media and prompted the government to issue an advisory to both senior officials. According to documents, a formal advisory was issued on Monday by Establishment Division Joint Secretary (Discipline) Syeda Shafaq Hashmi to the Islamabad IGP and Chief Commissioner.

The advisory stated that the prime minister had expressed “disappointment and displeasure” over the incident and had taken a serious view of the matter. The document noted that the use of the ceremonial vehicle had attracted considerable public criticism and created an impression of excessive pomp and privilege. It said such a display was inconsistent with the values and responsibilities associated with public service. The advisory reminded the officials that civil servants and public office holders serve the people and are expected to maintain humility, restraint, dignity and sound judgment while performing their duties.

According to the Establishment Division, conduct that conveys an impression of ostentation or personal privilege can negatively affect public confidence in government institutions. The advisory stressed that senior government functionaries are expected to maintain high standards of propriety, discipline and responsible governance. The officials were directed to exercise greater caution in the discharge of their responsibilities and ensure that such an incident does not happen again. The instructions were issued for “strict compliance” in both letter and spirit.

The controversy gained wider attention after photographs and videos of the two officials using the buggy circulated on social media during the Independence Day celebrations. The incident prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to clarify the circumstances surrounding the officials’ use of the ceremonial vehicle. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended the Islamabad police chief and chief commissioner, saying that neither official should be blamed for using the buggy. In a statement posted on X on August 15,

Naqvi acknowledged that the situation had not unfolded as intended but said the two officials were not responsible for the decision. Naqvi explained that the ceremonial buggy had originally been arranged for the chief guest. However, the chief guest and the interior minister were delayed because of a meeting involving President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the two Islamabad officials had initially been reluctant to begin the programme in the absence of the chief guest and the interior minister. However, they were specifically instructed to proceed with the event so that members of the public would not face unnecessary inconvenience.

“The buggy was arranged for the chief guest but, unfortunately, due to unavoidable circumstances, it was used by the officers,” Naqvi explained. The minister further said that both officials had initially resisted proceeding without the dignitaries but ultimately followed the instructions given to them. Naqvi also thanked Islamabad residents for participating in the August 14 celebrations and helping make the Independence Day event successful.

The episode has since sparked discussion about appropriate conduct, public perception and the standards expected from senior government officials, with the prime minister’s advisory stressing the importance of maintaining humility and public trust.