Naqvi defends officials over viral carriage video
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has defended the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman and Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) after a video of the two officials arriving at an Independence Day event in a horse-drawn carriage triggered criticism on social media.
CDA Chairman retired Lt Sohail Ashraf and Islamabad IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi were seen arriving at the parade in the carriage. The video showed event organisers asking the audience to applaud as the officials arrived, but little response could be heard from the crowd.
The footage quickly spread online, with several social media users describing the scene as outdated and comparing it with practices associated with the colonial era.
Naqvi later issued a clarification, saying the officials should not be blamed for using the carriage. According to the interior minister, the chief guest and he were delayed because of a meeting between the president and prime minister.
He said people had been waiting at the venue since 5pm. When it became clear that the senior officials would arrive late, instructions were given to start the programme so that citizens would not have to wait any longer.
Naqvi explained that the horse carriage had originally been arranged for the chief guest. However, due to the delay, it was used by the CDA chairman and Islamabad police chief to proceed with the programme.
The minister also said both officers had initially been reluctant to begin the event in the absence of the chief guest and himself. He maintained that they proceeded only after receiving specific instructions.
Despite the explanation, criticism continued online. Former federal minister Shireen Mazari shared the video and questioned the decision, while digital rights activist Usama Khilji criticised what he described as behaviour inappropriate for senior government officials.
Several journalists and public figures also reacted strongly to the footage. Journalist Farzana Ali questioned the appropriateness of such a display at a time when ordinary citizens are facing economic difficulties.
Journalist Zarrar Khuhro described the scene as embarrassing, while researcher Ammar Rashid criticised what he viewed as the growing distance between government officials and the public.
Former Pemra chairman Absar Alam also condemned the incident, calling it an example of an outdated bureaucratic mindset.
Former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair drew a comparison with the recent visit of Norway’s foreign minister to Islamabad. He highlighted footage showing the foreign minister handling his own luggage at the airport and contrasted it with the behaviour shown in the Islamabad parade video