Imran Khan expresses anger over being given VVIP protocol
The PTI chairman asked to inform the authorities that he doesnt want such protocol
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan expressed anger over the protocol he received as he left from his residence to a local hotel to attend the party’s parliamentary committee meeting.
Imran Khan has been provided VVIP security protocol, meant for the head of government, as the cricketer-turned-politician is all set to become Pakistan’s next prime minister.
He was given given the protocol of a prime minister as his convoy reached the hotel for the meeting and asked why the route was taken without permission.
The PTI chairman asked to inform the authorities that he doesn’t want such protocol, adding that the party had not requested for extra protocol.
Moreover, he asked to return the additional security vehicles from Bani Gala.
According to Naeemul Haq, Imran Khan was given Prime Minister’s protocol but he refused to take it.
Imran Khan is against protocol, he does not want to create difficulties for masses, said Naeemul Haq.
Read More: PM-in-waiting Imran Khan to stay at Punjab House
Imran Khan had, in a number of interviews and press conferences, made it clear that he will neither stay in the PM House nor enjoy VVIP protocol after assuming office.
Cricketer-turned politician had also asked the administration to provide minimal protocol to the federal and provincial ministers.
On the other hand, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s decision to live in a smaller, simpler residence and not in the official Prime Minister’s House will save the exorbitant amount of Pakistani Rs1.85 billion spent annually on the PM House.
It will also send a positive message to the masses that their prime minister is not wasting public money on a life of luxuries and protocol.
Know More: Imran Khan staying out of PM house will save expenditures worth Rs1.85b
The cricketer-turned politician has also vowed to ensure that his ministers and provincial chief ministers, where his party is in power, also follow principles austerity.
Pakistan’s PM House, though a relatively new building inaugurated by the former deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif only two decades ago when he was elected for a second term, is located on the main Constitution Avenue, covering an area of 135 acres, and luxuriously appointed.
The red-brick, heavily guarded building is modelled after the Mughal era palaces that housed royalty. The PM House features five spacious lawns, a fruit orchard, a number of swimming pools, a banquet hall, media and committee rooms. There are also 10 servants quarters, residences for security officers, staff and members of the Public & Works Department and police.
Inside the PM House, around 50 protocol officers work in their offices. The security budget of the complex is around Rs980 million, while Rs700 million are allocated for PM House staff. Similarly, Rs150 million is spent annually on gifts for visiting dignitaries and guests, and Rs15 million on renovation and decoration.
