@pinkbulletin: This incident took place on 14 August 2026 during the Islamabad City Parade at D-Chowk, Islamabad (Old Parade Ground). Islamabad Police IG Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and CDA Chairman Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf were seen arriving in a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage during the Independence Day celebrations. While the event was part of the official parade and later explanations were given regarding the circumstances, the imagery itself sparked strong public criticism. The people of Pakistan are struggling to survive, while their “servants” arrive like kings. In a country facing inflation, unemployment, poverty and a massive debt burden, scenes of elaborate protocol surrounding government officials naturally raise uncomfortable questions. These officials are called public servants — but why does the culture surrounding public office so often look like royalty? Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule nearly eight decades ago, yet the culture of excessive protocol, hierarchy and official privilege continues to remind many people of the colonial era. The issue is not simply a horse-drawn carriage. It is about the message that such imagery sends to ordinary citizens. When people are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table, public officials should be seen as servants of the people — not rulers above them. Independence should mean more than celebrating a day. It should also mean ending the mindset of rulers and subjects. #Pakistan #14August #IndependenceDay #Islamabad #DChowk

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Sunday 16 August 2026 08:38:11 GMT