Imran Khan during a press conference in Peshawar on Wednesday. PHOTO: INP
While visiting the Army Public School in Peshawar on Wednesday, as many as 21 cars were present in Imran's motorcade. Having publicly criticised leaders of other parties for moving around in long motorcades, the PTI chief faced heavy criticism from many quarters.
According to the letter, the PTI chief notes that such entourage is against the party ideology and wastes taxpayers money, hence the practice must end.
He, however, adds that the additional vehicles carried PTI MPAs and Ministers who were there voluntarily.
In this regard, he suggested three basic principles.
Foremost among these principles was a restriction on K-P ministers and MPAs from even receiving Imran at the airport. "Instead, they should remain in their offices and continue with their work. If I need to meet any of them, or be breifed by them, the place to meet would be the location of the meeting for that purpose."
Secondly, Imran advised that if he is attending any official event, only the relevant officials, minister or MPAs should be present at the venue.
Lastly, he directed the chief minsiter to not receive the party chief at the airport.
The PTI chief explained that they need to rid themselves of VIP culture and that they cannot indulge in traditional hypocrisy of the elite.
Facing criticism for his motorcade, Imran had claimed that his motorcade was only six vehicles long and was unaware of any other vehicles joining his entourage.
COMMENTS (17)
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@Saleem: Criticize but not with a strong language the one you use. I am not sure if it was linguistic barrier or on purpose.
Just like calling those grieving parents at APS as "Plants" of ANP and PML-N, next time around whenever there is a fleet of Landcruisers and Prados in IK's entourage - he would immediately turn around and blame these vehicles to be planted by his enemies to give him a bad name.
IK has to understand that protocol is protocol. Whether it is based on government security vehicles or government vehicles sanctioned to MPAs. But that unfortunately is asking a bit too much from IK to comprehend.
This is great step, something unbelievable in Pakistan. I am concerned of the security KP is most vulnerable and terrorists can target Imran, there has to be some balance.
@Witness: You don't have to be so harsh and use the word "Lie". IK does not lie like other leaders. We are used to hearing lies from other leaders so much that we think everyone is lying
Realizing his mistake taking action not to repeat that mistake again. This is what honest leadership is all about. Bravo imran khan.
@Gopeet: I believe you have eyes at the back of your head, go-pee.
Khan sb drama bandh karo. Bahut ho gaya hai.
@Urban Legend: He initially said this statement. Don't just go by headline cutting of news channels.
Very good step. Atleast he is not deaf, public critisism has forced him to correct the wrong while on the other hand 30 years critisism doesn't have any effect on current ruler family of Pakistan.
Because of Security Conditions precaution must be taken But Still PRADO Culture Prevailing in Pakistan is the real Culprit. All the politicians PTI, PMLn, PPP, ANP, Diesel, APML follow the same PRADO Mindset and any Body who is elected to some position starts taking that Mindset as his/Her Right while forgetting that he has been Put on some position to SERVE and Not RULE. Prof. Siraj Ul Haq is the Only person not following PRADO mindset but the tragedy of Pakistan is that he works to advance his Party Interests, rather than Pakistan Interest and Thus ends up as Enemy of Pakistan. When the people will start accepting authority as a POSITION to SERVE VIP Culture will end. Imran Could have served the country well IF ONLY IF he would not have been suffering from Extreme Lack of Intellect and SINGLE MINDED Pursuit to Become PRIME MINISTER, HOOK or CROOK.
IK Sb., please also admonish your party members and YOURSELF for continuing to collect salaries and perks even after tendering your resignations from NA. You and your party members always talk of high morals, here is an opportunity for you and your colleagues to set an example: STOP collecting salary/allowances, and return the money you have been pocketing SHAMELESSLY ever since you resigned from NA.
First he said there were 6 vehicles, and now that he got caught, he put it on the ministers and MPAs. Why he just apologies and make the corrections. The justifications only create more mess.
Does this fool not know that VIP motorcades that he been criticizing also have same cronies, MPAs & ministers, that he has in his motorcade. So next time before criticizing others look at yourself and preach only what you practice.
Poor little Immy.Khan. Did not even know other vehicles had joined his entourage. Entourage Khan need to be more Truthful Khan.
The KPK CM is giving Imran Khan and the PTI a bad name.........and Imran Khan seems helpless to do anything about it.
Thats good. At least he acknowledges his mistake. Thats the kind of leader we want who is accountable for his actions. Unlike the badshahs we have ruling us in the name of democracy
It wasnt just one motorcade. While I was driving , we were stuck in traffic blocked by police and not even people were allowed to cross roads. there were 3 vehicles, which means ministers and IK was only in those 3 ,rest were police vans and other security vehicles which was indeed more than 6 . Plus when we went to another road, there was another motorcade which also consisted of 7-8 vehicles, and most probably it was of CM or Speaker ,it included two 2000+ CC cars and rest were police vans. (I witnessed it all with my eyes) . Good reply by Imran Khan but he should not lie about no of vans and stuff. Thanks.