Imran nixes protocol and security for private functions

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that he would no longer be going to any private events with the trappings of protocol and security and vowed to put an end to the “colonial legacy of pomp and glory used to overwhelm the people”.

The Prime Minister has been calling for austere policy of governance and government ministers and party mouthpieces have been quick to compare the costs of the Premier’s overseas trips with past rulers on social media.

In a couple of tweets on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said: “To save taxpayer money and avoid inconvenience to the public I will not be going to any private function with protocol and security.” In the same tweet, the Prime Minister also announced that the same was being considered for his ministers, governors and party chief ministers. “I am also reviewing protocol & security for ministers, governors & PTI CMs to decide how we can minimise expenditure & end public inconvenience,” he said.

In a subsequent tweet, Khan also announced plans for a comprehensive policy that hinted at significant changes to what he criticised as a “colonial legacy”. He said: “Next week Cabinet will decide on a comprehensive policy in this regard. We will put an end to the colonial legacy of pomp and glory used to overwhelm the people.”