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| CDA Chairman retired Lt Sohail Ashraf and Islamabad IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi arrive in a horse-drawn carriage during an Independence Day parade in Islamabad. |
Officials Face Criticism Over Horse Carriage Ride at Islamabad Parade
ISLAMABAD — August 16, 2026
Two senior Islamabad officials have faced widespread criticism after a video showed them arriving in a horse-drawn carriage during an Independence Day parade, with several social media users describing the scene as a reminder of colonial-era official culture. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended the officials, saying the carriage was used because of an unexpected delay involving senior guests.
The video shows Capital Development Authority Chairman retired Lt Sohail Ashraf and Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi arriving at the parade in the carriage. Organisers can be heard encouraging people attending the event to applaud, although the video does not capture a clear response from the crowd.
The footage quickly spread on social media, where critics questioned whether the appearance was appropriate for senior public officials. Some described the display as reflecting a colonial-era style in which government representatives were presented with special privileges and ceremony.
Naqvi said the officials had not been responsible for arranging the situation. In a statement on social media, he explained that he and the chief guest had been delayed because of a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to Naqvi, members of the public had been waiting at the venue since 5 p.m. When it became clear at about 6 p.m. that the senior guests would arrive late, officials were instructed to begin the programme rather than keep the crowd waiting.
Naqvi said the horse carriage had originally been arranged for the chief guest but was used by the two officials because of the circumstances. He also said the officials had initially been reluctant to begin the programme without the senior guests but followed instructions to proceed for the convenience of those attending.
The explanation did not end the criticism. Former federal minister Shireen Mazari shared the video and described the use of the carriage as an attempt to revive what she called a colonial practice.
Digital rights activist Usama Khilji, whose post was shared by Mazari, also criticised the officials. He argued that Pakistan's political leaders remain dependent on public support, while sections of the civil and military bureaucracy can operate with less public accountability.
Other public figures also reacted to the footage. Journalist Farzana Ali questioned the contrast between the ceremonial display and the economic difficulties faced by ordinary Pakistanis, while journalist Zarrar Khuhro responded to the video with a brief expression of disapproval.
Researcher Ammar Rashid focused on what he described as the lack of reaction from the crowd when the carriage arrived. He criticised what he called an official culture that places government authorities above ordinary citizens.
Journalist and former Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority chairman Absar Alam also criticised the scene, describing it as an example of what he viewed as an outdated bureaucratic mindset.
Former Sindh governor and Awaam Pakistan leader Mohammad Zubair drew another comparison, sharing footage of the Norwegian foreign minister handling his own luggage after arriving in Islamabad earlier in the week. Zubair contrasted that scene with the appearance of the Pakistani officials at the parade.
Political analyst Zaigham Khan also criticised the carriage display, arguing that a practice once associated with status and grandeur now appeared out of step with changing public expectations.
The controversy has placed renewed attention on how senior government officials present themselves at public events. While Naqvi said the carriage was used because of logistical circumstances and not as a display of privilege, the footage has continued to prompt debate about official conduct, public respect and the legacy of colonial-era administrative culture in Pakistan.
