A horse-drawn VIP carriage ride by senior Islamabad officials during Independence Day ceremony triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with questions being raised over official protocol and the optics of public servants appearing in a royal-style procession.
The viral clip shows Islamabad Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) arriving at the Independence Day event in a decorated carriage quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions from social media users. Reports circulating online described the scene as resembling the arrival of royal dignitaries rather than government officials. The controversy prompted Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to clarify the circumstances behind the unusual arrival.
In a statement shared on X, Naqvi said the carriage had actually been arranged for the chief guest of the Independence Day ceremony, not for the senior officials.
He explained that his own arrival and that of the chief guest had been delayed, and officials were subsequently instructed to proceed with the ceremony rather than wait indefinitely.
Naqvi acknowledged that the episode did not appear appropriate but said the Islamabad IGP and Chief Commissioner should not be held responsible for the situation. According to his explanation, the officials were expected to attend the ceremony with other guests, while the carriage had been specifically designated for the chief guest.
The incident has nevertheless sparked a broader debate over official privilege, protocol and public optics, particularly at a national event celebrating Pakistan’s independence.
Critics questioned whether senior civil servants should be seen arriving in such an elaborate manner, arguing that the spectacle created an impression of royal privilege rather than public service.
The controversy comes as Islamabad hosted a grand Independence Day celebration on August 14, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and other senior officials attending the event.
While Naqvi’s clarification sought to explain why the officials used the carriage, the viral footage has already fuelled a wider conversation online over the gap between public office and the appearance of privilege.
