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VIP protocol — in Chitral
The trend of VIP protocol, especially for senior military officers, seems to be in fashion these days in Pakistan.
CHITRAL: Yesterday, I stepped out of my house and what I saw before my eyes made me think that, perhaps, the military had taken over. Or that, perhaps, a military exercise was going on, that we had not been informed about. Confused, I walked ahead and then chanced upon some billboards. I then understood what had happened. My city was preparing for the annual polo festival at Shandur and since many VIPs would be passing through it, the entire area was filled with security personnel.
The trend of VIP protocol, especially for senior military officers, seems to be in fashion these days in Pakistan, despite the fact that more than half of the population lives below the poverty line.
Even millions of Pakistanis, technically above the poverty line, can’t make both ends meet. Yet, there are some civil and military officers who have no qualms about wasting taxpayers’ money on such things. At least, in Chitral, it happens once a year only, right before the Shandur festival.
Junaid Saleh Hayat
Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2012.
Reader Comments (1)
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Dear ET, thanks for publishing that letter!
Pakistan can become a ”secure” country if that amount is spent on improving our military machinery, education rate, and other factors that play vital role in developing a country!!
Educated and civilized people never show their power off and they never abuse the privileges given to them by government! They will stay in their limits, and will not waste public wealth on enjoyment and protocols! This is also a form of CORRUPTION!! And concerned departments should kick such out of their office!
Pakistan is not a ‘Republic of VIPs’. If this country belongs to all of us, then all citizens should be treated equally! Security is an important concern for ALL, not just for the so-called VIPs! In civilized countries this term (VIP) is not even used.
One man (emperor), sitting in a Prado, preceded and followed by dozens of Land Cruisers and security vehicles filled with a 50 security personnel!!!! What is all this if not corruption and wastage of government money in the name of security????
Isn’t it a form of corruption??? I believe, this is the worst form of CORRUPTION!!
I am a patriotic Pakistani and I and any other patriot will be upset to see that wild behavior of a few so-called VIPs with my country’s public wealth!
Let’s hope things will improve little-by-little!
Kind RegardsRecommend