Imran and Austerity
By Colonel Riaz Jafri (Retd.)
Westridge, Rawalpindi
While delivering his “victory” speech, Imran sounded sincere, resolute, empathetic and modest in his all-encompassing address. He looked every inch a seasoned statesman.
He touched upon almost all important facets of governance and his policies, though briefly, but admirably. He particularly emphasized austerity and held out the assurance of personally safeguarding the tax payers’ money. I know he would be flooded with compliments and unsolicited advices on his speech and in the same vein I, too, want to chip in my two cents.
Sir, you would shun living in the palatial PM House, cut downpomp and show and VIP culture also. Leading from the front, please set a personal example by parting with the protocol accorded to the PM in Pakistan only and nowhere else in the world. That is, do away with the following practices:
1. Playing of the national anthem for the PM before his address on TV/Radio, etc. and other national occasions.
2. Flying of the Pakistan flag on his car.
3. Military Secretary.
4. ADC.
5. The title of the “First Lady” for the PM’s wife.
All over the world, these are for the Head of the State only -the President - and NOT for the Head of the Government or the Chief Executive - the Prime Minister. It was ZAB who brought this protocol with him on stepping down from the Presidency to the Premiership of Pakistan and ever since it is being followed by his successors. It is not practiced anywhere in the world – India, The UK, or any of the European or Commonwealth countries. By doing away with the protocol you will be setting a good precedent.
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