'Will not be going to any private function with protocol and security,' PM Imran announces

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced that he would no longer be going to any private function with protocol and security in order "to save taxpayer money and avoid inconvenience to the public".

In a tweet, the premier said he was also reviewing the protocol and security available to ministers, governors and chief ministers belonging to the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) "to decide how we can minimise expenditure and end public inconvenience".

He said the federal cabinet will decide on a comprehensive policy in this regard next week.

"We will put an end to the colonial legacy of pomp and glory used to overwhelm the people," the prime minister wrote.

Next week Cabinet will decide on a comprehensive policy in this regard. We will put an end to the colonial legacy of pomp & glory used to overwhelm the people.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 6, 2021

Before coming into power, Imran Khan routinely opposed VIP movements and security protocols, and launched a campaign to adopt 'austerity' and lead a simple lifestyle after being elected the prime minister.

On a Sunday in May, Imran had made a surprise visit to different public places in Islamabad "without any security and protocol".

Pictures and videos shared by the Prime Minister's Office and lawmakers had shown Prime Minister Imran driving himself to different areas and talking to people. He had also inspected business activities, implementation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures and development works during the tour.

Similarly, the premier last month inspected handcart (vendors) market recently set up in the capital's G-10.

Driving his car, the prime minister arrived at the market without any protocol and was warmly welcomed by the bystanders, handcart owners, residents and shopkeepers.

A month after Prime Minister Imran took office in 2018, a total of 61 luxury and surplus vehicles and eight buffaloes belonging to Prime Minister House were auctioned off. The auctions were part of the premier's austerity drive through which he planned to cut down his government's expenditures, which he believed would motivate the nation to follow suit at a time of economic hardship.